13 Major Relationship Mistakes Men Make Over And Over Again
We dudes aren't perfect, we should quash a few relationship mistakes ourselves.
getty Though there's a list of relationship mistakes that women should stop making, the list was solid but a bit heavy on the progesterone. In the name of making this space totally impartial and fair, here are 13 mistakes men make that prevent them from having healthy relationships.
And if you, as a couple, work on overcoming them, then you can learn how to have a healthy relationship that lasts and doesn't have repeated issues.
1. You get philosophical during "cuddle time."
Easy Nietzsche, enjoy the silence. Wait until later to tell her why Washington is holding back the electric car.
2. You watch TV, read, surf the web and/or listen to music during an important conversation.
Trust me, being able to recite the highlights (and a detail or two) of what she just said can go a long way. It's going to be tough if you have to ask yourself if she said it or if Al Michaels did.
3. You keep your shirt on during sex.
Yes, I took this from Chelsea Handler but it's brilliant: There is nothing stranger than a man wearing nothing but a shirt, unless that man is also wearing sneakers and a hat.
4. You claim not to have a girlfriend.
Do you spend money on her? Has she met your friends? Have you had sober sex on several occasions? Do you spend the night? Do you eat meals together at restaurants? Are you doing the same stuff with anyone else? Yeah, she's probably your girlfriend, and healthy relationships mean showing her off, not denying her existence.
5. You don't understand the value of cut flowers.
I know that paying money for something that is going to be all wilty in like three days seems crazy. Sometimes rooms need a little brightening. Just go with it, OK?
6. You say, "You had me at 'hello''' or, "You complete me" with anything that approaches sincerity.
Nevermind. If you want to quote Jerry Maguire, don't let anyone stop you.
7. You show improper levels of jealousy.
Some jealousy is good, natural and a bit flattering. Driving four hours to punch Jim Halpert in the neck is cause for concern.
8. You insist on a level of grooming that you are in no way prepared to reciprocate.
I'm with you, I'm not waxing my junk. That's final.
9. You try to solve every problem.
Dude, sometimes we're supposed to just listen and empathize. Even if a solution is slapping you in the face like Rick James in the China Club, just listen. Maybe give advice if the same issue constantly comes up. Maybe.
10. You don't take the bait from an obvious attempt to fish a compliment.
Compliment fishing, like fishing where people are swimming, is pretty annoying, but sometimes everyone needs a few kind words.
11. You take numbers that you don't plan on calling.
Honestly, is getting a whole mess of numbers still cool? Was it ever?
12. You take your teams too seriously.
Don't take your hatred for the Gators out on anyone else, OK? On a totally separate note, I'm not to be disturbed for four hours after any Clemson football loss.
13. You try to look too cool in front of your friends.
Yes, yes, bros before hoes, but if you're mean to her in front of your buddies, they will not respect her. I suppose if she tries to chump you in front of your boys, though, your hands are untied.
Tom Miller is a writer and performer based in New York. He's been a mechanical engineer and a banker. He's been the general manager and coordinating video producer at YourTango for 12 years. He's probably listening to Bryan Adams' "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" as we speak.