When interacting with the opposite sex, communication is everything. Simply put, authenticity is everything. It's not always easy to be transparent when you’re getting to know each other, but it’s 100 percent necessary. Keeping things honest will help you avoid leading Mr. Wrong or turning Mr. Right off. Be yourself and be real. Little white lies will get you nowhere, especially in these 10 categories.
I know the rule: You never ask a woman her age. However, when it comes to dating, this rule must be broken. Don’t lie about your age. If he’s turned off, at least you will know where you both stand immediately. Lying about your age will instantly make you seem insecure, especially if you’re older. Who says PYTs have an age limit? Keep it real, ladies!
Your interest in sports isn't as important to him as you think. As long as he can watch the game, he's fine. You don't have to watch it with him. If you really aren’t that interested in his favorite football or basketball team, it shouldn’t bother him one bit. But if he takes sports seriously and you’re misquoting stats, butchering player's names and feigning interest in the score, it will be more annoying than endearing. He will know if your interest is genuine or not, so don’t fake it.
Discussing your sexual history is always tricky, but it's unavoidable if things between you are becoming serious. I know all women won't be in agreement here but, when it does come up, I say be open and honest about it. If he asks how many people you've slept with before him, don't give him the "safe" number. Give him the real one. If he can't handle your answer, that's on him—not you. He should've taken heed when his mother told him to never ask a woman a question you don't want the answer to.
Nothing’s more disappointing for a man than to be promised a "life changing" home-cooked meal only to be served a plate full of watery macaroni and cheese and questionable meat. So you don’t know your way around a kitchen, that’s fine. It doesn't make you less of a woman. Tell the truth and give him the chance to impress you with his skills. If you’re both clueless, you can always order take-out.
Most women assume that talking about marriage will scare a man off, but that’s false. The man that’s right for you will want to know where you really stand—especially if he’s on a different path. There is a way to be open about where you desire to be in the future in terms of your relationship without putting too much pressure on the present situation. Saying you don’t want to be married when you clearly do, will send him running for the hills.
If you’re not “cool” with his inner circle, you shouldn’t pretend to be. While you should keep an open mind when getting to know them, it's imperative that you find a way to be open with him about your reservations instead of forcing yourself to hang out with people you just don’t care for.
Not every woman will be comfortable with her man's best friend forever being a female. This is something you must be honest with yourself and him about up front. The issues you overlook in the beginning can potentially become romantic barriers later on down the line. Don’t tell him you’re “cool with it” when you’re not. He’ll see right through this one fast.
If your ex is still in the picture, say so. It’s just as important not to hide a connection to an ex, as it is for him to reveal any women in his life. As long as you both keep it real in this department, there will be no unwanted surprises.
Don’t ever tell a man he’s the best you’ve ever had unless it's the actual truth. You may want to feed his ego, but it won’t work that way if you’re lying. If you tell him he's the best then he has no room to improve. Compliment him but don't overdo it. He’ll appreciate it the realness.
Additions and enhancements are cool, but at some point the man you’re dating should be able to meet the real you. I am attempting to tread lightly here. I know that at times certain outfits may require some "help.” But don’t let padded bras, body shapers and hair weaves mask the real you. That’s who he is most interested in, promise. Or at least, Mr. Right should be.
