Relationship Tips for a Hopefully Happier 2008

Jan 02, 2008 - 21:39 PM PST

I am just like every other straight girl, every other heterosexual woman. I wish I lived in a world surrounded by men who were handsome, charming, gentlemanly, and interested in me, so I could simply take my pick from the pack.

But of course, life is not a fairytale. I was hoping college guys would be different and more exciting compared to high school guys... but they're just as much if not more immature.

I don't understand why guys have to be so shy and mysterious because it ultimately makes them seem like liars and/or losers.

Guys, if a girl is flirting with you - she's laughing at all your jokes that are not funny, she's playfully hitting or slapping you, just so she can know what it feels like to touch you, she's talking to you with full eye contact, you need to realize that and react to it. If you like her, flirt back. But if you honestly don't find yourself attracted to her at all, don't. Stop yourself. Refrain from flirting with someone you're not interested in because it will only lead them to believe that you are interested in them, and will ultimately cause them heartache that they may or may not be able to forgive you for.

And please, don't be a creeper. If you are generally a loner, don't follow a girl you have a crush on around like a stalker. Don't I.M. a girl you think is cute because you got her s/n off of her myspace or facebook, especially if you have never or rarely talked to her in person. NEVER tell a girl you hardly know that you love her. And NEVER tell a girl you love her unless you have thought about it, and know in your heart that you absolutely mean it.

I know all romantic relationships are different, but please refrain from telling your gf/bf those three lethal words until you two have been together for at least a month if not two. Any sooner than a month, unless you've known the person for a long time prior to getting together - will scare any sane well-adjusted person off. It is too soon.

And when it comes to how much to spend on gifts for your significant other, I have created this nifty rule of thumb: at most, it's acceptable to spend $10 per month you have been together. So if you have been together two months, $20 will work; if you have been together a year, it's ok to spend $120 if you feel so inclined.

I hope my advice helps someone. I only wish the world was populated with Prince Charming's and Prince Charming's only, but that would make life dull. Unfortunatley boys will always suck and they will always be at the very least unintentionally stupid. But hopefully everyone will find the toad that suits them. And that's really all we can ask for.

- Amanda (copperboom)