10 Basic Rules For A New Relationship
Posted by: YourTango.com
Filed in:
relationships
8:00AM, Tuesday March 10th 2009
The beginning of a relationship can be a tricky course to navigate. Guys (like me) aren’t so good at guessing what women think or want, and our stupidity can lead to otherwise easily avoidable arguments. Setting some basic rules with your new flame may help you get past the small stuff and start enjoying your lives together. After the jump, ten guidelines to smooth the road with your new beau.
1. P.D.A. regulation. People have different comfort levels when it comes to couples behavior in public. Find the line (holding hands, smooching, heated necking on the subway platform) and don’t cross it.
2. One day a week. Decide on one day every week you can spend together, no one else invited. Everyone is busy; designating together-time is healthy for any relationship.
3. No suffocation. Being together is great—acting like conjoined twins is not. Respect each other’s space and don’t take it so seriously if he asks for some time to himself.
4. Don’t talk about the future until it’s time to talk about the future. Nothing freaks a guy out like the prospect of kids before he’s actually ready to have them. Don’t think he doesn’t want to be with you if he shies away from the topic. He just enjoys the way things are and isn’t quite ready to add a mini-me to the mix.
5. Forge friendships with your partner’s pals… Not that you have to be one of the bros, but it’s nice for him, and you, if feel comfortable around his buddies.
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EastCoastMale
wrote on March 10 2009 @ 12:42 pm: [report]
wow, thank goodness an article was there to suggest rules for a relationship based on every couple being the same and reacting according to the suggestions made. Here I was thinking everyone is different and therefor so are couples…boy am I glad to be set straight.
MixnMuddle
wrote on March 10 2009 @ 01:18 pm: [report]
Jeez EastCoastMale, are you always demeaning and sarcastic when giving your thoughts and feedback? Sure, the ‘rules’ are generalized, but still they are areas that are important to consider in a new relationship. Relax, or get a cocktail, or whatever it is you do to lighten up a bit…
CheeeeEEEEse
wrote on March 10 2009 @ 01:21 pm: [report]
@MixnMuddle: Your name is backwards. MuddlenMix is better, Mojitos for all!
retro chic
wrote on March 10 2009 @ 06:46 pm: [report]
Goes both ways. Otherwise, it reads like “here’s your golden-key to MY special world” with no sign of willingness to reciprocate, or initiate for that matter.
But #4 (freakin’ future) advice is as silly as the “Free Beer Tomorrow” sign hanging on a pub wall. If someone is only interested in a relationship, marriage or kids, then they should vet their date/SO early on.
Thepastorsson
wrote on March 10 2009 @ 08:36 pm: [report]
I like the rule about giving each other a little bit of space. You keep the space all the time you will get along so much better… 71flavors.com
Seezy
wrote on March 12 2009 @ 11:23 pm: [report]
Somehow, though I knew all of these rules already, this helped me a lot.
I’m pushing a month with a boyfriend (a big deal for me, because I suck at relationships) and I’ve mentioned the future already. :x While I know that he loves me, I know he’s not ready to think about that. He’s terrified of the things he’s going to have to do a month from now.
I guess I never thought about that until now.
Thanks. =]