New Relationship Advice: 10 Basic Rules

By Frank Hadley. Posted on Mar 5th 2009.

Ten rules to help smooth the road with your new beau. Common sense? Yes. Commonly practiced? No.

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. Getting Your Guy To Talk About The Future

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.

6. …But don't forget your own. Don't drop the friends who were with you before he showed up. Ditching the gals will lead to feelings of resentment and neglect, and if your relationship comes to an end, you'll want that circle of support. Read: The Scourge That Is Couples Skating

7. Don't hide things. You don't need to tell him about the time you hooked up with your father's golf buddy, but it's a good idea to tell him you're still friends with your ex before he runs into the two of you on the street.

8. Loosen up. Don't start a fight because he glanced at the attractive girl that just walked by. Likewise, he shouldn't get worked up just because you said Jake Gyllenhaal is hot. It's not like either of you is trying to sleep with them (unless you are, in which case you should reevaluate your role in this twosome). His Wandering Eye. What Does It Mean?

9. Don't kiss and tell. This is a relationship, not an elongated one-night stand. There's no need to talk about what goes on in the bedroom at the water cooler.

10. No assumptions or guessing games. Don't force him to guess what you really mean by, "It's OK if we don't go out on my birthday." Being upfront with your feelings will prevent many conflicts.

Agree with my rules? Disagree? Have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments.