Relationships...the big "le sigh"

Yeah...I guess I've only been in a few real relationships. The good news is, the second one turned up a winner. I'm now engaged. I wasn't always this lucky in love, however. A quick note on a few follies in love to help you star-crossed lovers out there from making the same mistakes! 1) If you are in an abusive relationship--head for the hills! I stayed in one WAY too long, convincing myself "it wasn't that bad" and that the good times more than made up for when I was called names, pushed, and not allowed to go anywhere. Trust me on this: someone who really loves you doesn't want to hurt you. They want only the best for you. People who hit, call you names, or attempt to control everything you do need serious help and know how to mess with your head. Don't let them! 2) If you really want a real relationship, don't waste your time in bars and/or on players. Come on. You're smart enough to sniff out a phony if you really want to, if the desire to fall in love hasn't clouded your brain that badly (as it probably has). If someone gets angry with you because you won't give them money, do them favors, or have sex with them, guess what, they want to use you and move on. You're better than that, right? Someone who likes you for you will stick around for the long haul. 3) Stop looking so hard! People can smell the desperation. Be into yourself. Find out what you like and throw yourself into it...before you know it, love will find you. 4) When you do find someone promising...take it slow. Let out the crazy a little at a time, no need to reveal all your gross and/or annoying habits right away. By the time they know everything about you, they're trapped...er, I mean, in love :) I can't stress it enough not to rush the physical side of things. Men and women see those things very differently...what "seals the deal" for women is often a "dealbreaker" for men. 5) Don't sweat the little things. There will come a time in a long term relationship where a single sock could be enough to send you over the edge...don't let it. Sometimes you will lose your cool, but try to shrug off as much as you can. And, if you are the one who does the offending, see the other person's side and don't do that! Looking forward to our next chat...