| What I'm about to say is very general and doesn't apply to every type of person, but in my experience this is how a healthy relationship seems to evolve.
I learnt this the hard way also. There are A LOT of shitty people out there. You HAVE to make sure you don't let your guard down too soon. Make them earn it. What may seem perfect initially is usually just both people being on their best behavior and not being their true selves. You really have to throw out your on shit tests early on to give the person a run for their money - for your own sake. Don't fake who you are as a person, but don't place too much importance in the person early on until they've EARNED it.
Personal experience & advice:
-After you've dated, attracted the person and all that bullshit (I'm assuming you're already familiar with how that side of things works). Always remember to take what women say with a grain of salt unless you're already in a relationship. They say one thing and do another all the time. Thats why you gotta make them earn it.
-Once you hit the one month mark and if you're not sick of each other, proceed. If you're sick of the person and are finding it hard to handle them, get out of it before you have the chance to get hurt. Around this time people will start to show their true selves. That being said, no one is perfect and if you want to uphold a relationship you need to be MATURE and do your best to understand the motives behind the other persons shitty behavior. If they're behavior isn't just malicious and not TOO extreme, be a man and stick by them. Talk to them about the behavior as an adult. If you make it past this period there's a good chance you have a shot at a relationship.
-Once you hit the 2 month mark and if you're still not sick of each other, slowly start letting the person in. By this point they should start reciprocating - if not they're probably damaged emotionally, not interested in a relationship or just a sociopath. Don't be needy and clingy, but convey your true feelings and start letting the person know you care about them. Don't do it in excess, but if your partner does something nice, be sure to show your appreciation. If you want a relationship, be a man and state your expectations, boundaries and generally what you expect from them. i.e absolute honesty, integrity etc. Tone down the cocky/funny just a little, but DON'T BE A PUSH OVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. THIS APPLIES EVEN TO MARRIED MEN!
There will be times when both of you will question things - you WILL get angry at each other sometimes & fight, because everyone has their differences. But the key is to do so in a MATURE manner. That means no name calling, hurling abuse or anything similar. Make it clear you won't tolerate that from the other person as well - sometimes everyone slips up, so there's nothing wrong with giving a 2nd chance. But if it's ongoing, either seek professional help or call it quits. Cool down, talk about it and find a solution/compromise together. In a LTR you have to learn to adjust to each others minor differences/annoyances. NOTE: this excludes cheating and other common sense bullshit that there is no excuse for in the first place. If a girl cheats on you - get rid of her and don't look back no matter how much you love her. It doesn't make you less of a man to place your trust in someone and be burned.
If you can handle all that - you might be ready for a LTR. Remember: some people simply aren't compatible personality wise, so if things don't work out, it's not always either persons fault. REMEMBER: everyone has insecurities, but don't let them take control otherwise they WILL ruin a relationship. Giving the benefit of the doubt, however difficult at times is usually the best way to go - unless there is clear evidence you're being cheated on/lied to etc.
ANOTHER NOTE: If you've fucked up early on and been a wussbag, cut off all contact NOW and she may come back. If not - you have no choice but to move on and learn from your mistakes.
All the best, man!
|