1. Demanding a Label
There should be no excuse whatsoever for asking the question, “So what are we?” for the rest of your life. If the question begs an answer and has not been made obvious, it’s time to let go. The answer will not be one that you want to hear. Many relationship titles are bestowed every day without either person’s arm being twisted. You should never feel as though you have to force a relationship on someone. If they are unable to see your worthiness as a committed partner on their own, then you need to move on.
2. Conversations Only Via Text
Several years ago, an article was written during the Blackberry Messenger craze chronicling how a greater number of people were meeting each other face to face for first dates without ever speaking to each other over the phone prior to. Today, this is often standard. The main issue with this is that “e-chemistry” is not enough to make a relationship last.
A relationship and infatuation developed strictly through electronic means but not in real life is not often sustainable. The vast majority of us imagine what a person’s voice may sound like in our minds while communicating with them electronically, which can turn out to be completely false. Their idiosyncratic movements and nuances and subtle things that we may find attractive can turn out to be totally false.
3. “Hi! How ya been?”
Don’t reply. Plain and simple. When a person from our past tries to make a reappearance in our lives, we tend to forget why we let them go to begin with. Make it a point to remind yourself of this when it happens. Relationship expert Lucy Jones says, “It’s important to concentrate on breaking off your feelings for your past relationships before ever starting a new one. Break-ups are between two people, don’t endanger something special by starting a relationship before you’re totally unconnected’.
4. Disappearing Acts
If you are casually dating someone and then they all of a sudden drop off the face of the earth, leave them alone. They are showing you early on that they don’t take you or a romantic relationship with you seriously. It is not your job to chase them down.
5. Labelling People “Desperate”
Nowadays it is considered cool to call out a potential admirer as “corny’ and “thirsty” just for showing a genuine interest in you. Learn to separate the shallow thirst junkies from the authentic admirers.
6. Catcalling
Yelling to a woman….or even a man, “You want some fries with that shake!?” is never acceptable and just plain disrespectful. If you do or have ever done this, repent and vow to never repeat this same behavior. It not only makes you look bad, it’s likely not going to attract the type of individual you truly need.
7. Clock Watching
This is not a race. There is no time limit on finding someone that you care about. Do not rush. Enjoy the journey.
8. Third Chance
If you are experiencing the same situation and the same result over and over again, that situation should be vacated and avoided like the plague going forward. Learn when a second and third chance isn’t warranted. It will help you avoid a lot of wasted time and hurt feelings in the long run.