an idiot's guide to dating and relating |
Handle With Care: an idiot’s guide to dating/relating Since the dawn of humanity, men and women have struggled when it comes to relating to one another intimately. Everyone has his or her own unique opinion as to what makes a good partner, and these opinions vary as much as the stars in the universe. There is no definite grouping of criteria that a good boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife would embody, and it’s foolish to assume that any one knows that grouping of criteria. What not to do in a relationship is, however, a much easier question to answer. Most importantly, do not be honest. “Little white lies” can make or break you, and they might just save your life. Everyone says that they want a partner who will be completely and totally honest, but they in turn, are not being honest with themselves. For example, when a girlfriend/wife asks “Is that girl prettier than me?” they don’t want to know if she actually is, but rather if you’re stupid enough to say yes. The same goes with such inane questions as “do these pants make me look fat?” or “I wasn’t wrong, was I?”. Going along on this same topic, never date more than one person seriously at one time UNLESS you have either a personal assistant or a detailed day planner that’s kept in a safe (make sure that you’re the only one who knows the combination). If you do not keep track of your multiple love interests, you run the risk of either a mix-up in conversation or even worse, the dreaded run-into. Though no one in their right mind would go as far as to endorse multiple partners ( not counting the Mormons, but God told them to sleep with everyone, so I guess that doesn’t count, right?), if you’re going to do so, please do it responsibly. Another very important topic to discuss is the argument. It is advised that you not engage in an argument unless you absolutely 100% know you can win, but even then it is not a good idea. Why you ask? Because whether you win or lose, you ultimately lose. Arguing has never gotten anything accomplished, it’s compromising that is the foundation of progress. One side point that must be addressed: No matter whether you’re winning the argument or not, do not- I mean absolutely not- get arrested. Do not punch holes in the wall. Do not throw an encyclopedia through the window. Do not run around the front yard naked and screaming because as soon as you do any of the above and the police respond to the domestic dispute call, you forfeit the fight automatically. Plus, no matter whose fault it is originally, you’ll look like the jerk. If it seems like things are getting a little bit out of hand, work to diffuse the situation. Calming a potential nuclear war of words is much easier than most realize. All it takes is four simple words : “You’re right, I’m sorry”. Like a blanket of fresh snow over a forest fire, this simple phrase extinguishes, covers and purifies. Your partner may not actually be right, nor may you truly be sorry, but you WILL be sorry when things have gone beyond the point of repair and you’re (best case scenario) cooking chicken and stars soup over an open waste bin fire under a bridge with the homeless and rambling about how you would have rather spent the night in a jail cell. The last but not least important topic to cover is apologies. Don’t say “I’m sorry” unless you actually mean it. As benign as this simple gesture may seem, overuse of such can lead to a decline in it’s effectiveness. How does one know when to say “I’m sorry”? It’s really quite simple. As stated before, the phrase “You’re right, I’m sorry” is a verbal emergency parachute, and all of its components hold almost an equal amount of weight, when used in moderation, and when you sincerely mean it. Don’t say “I’m sorry” when it comes to petty things like consoling your spouse/partner. When they’ve had a bad day do not say “I’m sorry” when you hug them, cause it’s not your fault…unless, of course, it is your fault. Another good example is when you throw something across the room and it accidentally strikes your significant other. No matter how hard you try, “I’m sorry” just will not sound sincere when you are doubled over in laughter. When is it okay to apologize or use “You’re right, I’m sorry” ? Save it for major accidents or “screwing something up” beyond reasonable explanation. Driving his or her car into a pond, and then diving in to save your CD book is a perfect time to say it. Getting drunk and tattooing someone else’s name on you arm is also another good opportunity to say it. The best advice that can be given about the usage of “I’m sorry” is to use your best judgment. If you can get away with it without an apology, do so. Communicating and relating to one another has been one of the most pivotal struggles in the human endeavor, and it is something that may never be truly achieved. The phrase “men are from mars, women are from venus” has become a pop culture cliché, but it isn’t true, and only serves to divide us( plus, we’re humans, not martians and ummm… venutians?) No one person is perfect for everyone and not everyone is perfect for each other, but we can all get along if everyone would stop and use common sense. |