Rules to live by
en route to love
"Well ... " you say, "I can never find someone I like."
I say to you, stop being so picky! That's right, picky. Not everyone can fit into the mental mold you've built of your dream person. You know what I'm talking about: He/she has to be nice, honest, funny, smart, trusting, understanding, blah, blah, blah ...
No one I've ever known or dated has fit perfectly into any of these categories. Face it, it's humanly impossible to be perfect.
For those who say, "No one would ever like someone like me," have more faith in yourself. It's said that self-esteem is the pinnacle of attractiveness. Just because the guy/girl you're digging on isn't into you, it doesn't mean the world is over, and no one will ever like you. If the signals you're sending don't register, move on. Find someone who'll appreciate your efforts.
I don't know everything about relationships, and I'm no beauty queen, but I've had enough bad and good relationships to know what to do, and what not to do. Here are some tips my friends and I have discovered on the way to semi-perfect coupledom with our sweethearts. From the first meeting, to "falling in like."
First, check yourself. Are you too picky? Were or are there lots of potential loves you passed, or are passing up since they didn't quite fit into your "mental mold"? Was he/she not as smart, or as funny, as you'd like? Did you try to get to know them?
Don't pre-judge people. If someone asks for your number, it doesn't mean that he/she is a player or a hoochie. If they're so interested, get their digits instead. That way you have control over what happens (and avoid "stalkers"). Also, don't seem too eager, you don't want to send the wrong signals or seem desperate.
When you get the guts to call, don't say things like, "How is the weather," ask personal questions (not too personal). Remember, you're talking to them for a specific reason, not because you want to be a weather forecaster. If you run out of things to say, offer to hang up, and call back when you've got more to say.
Be yourself! Anything fake isn't worth it. He/she noticed the real you first.
Focus on good, rather than negative qualities, e.g., "He's super nice, but ... he talks funny.
Looks can't be everything. We all get ugly sometimes (no offense). Personality is what makes us all different. If the outside is all that matters, get a poster.
Avoid going "steady" straight off (unless you know this person well), so you can see if he/she is boyfriend/girlfriend material.
Some of these "rules" may seem unnecessary, but they sure have helped a lot of us while trying to hook up, and when trying to repair old relationships.