The Rules of Engagement

Someone once told me I needed to right a rule book for dating and relationships.  So far I have come up with 12 rules or just important factors.

1. You cannot make someone be someplace that they don't want to be.  Ladies, men know what they want.  They may not want to be with you.  We all have experienced a situation where we were hungry and had a taste for something but we were not quite sure what it was until we happened upon it or if someone else mentioned it.  The same rules apply.  He will know what he wants when she stumbles upon him.  A relationship should not be forced.  Both parties should be willing participants.  
2. To ensure you receive the right people in your life, you must say aloud "Please bring me the one I need."  Asking for what you need versus what you want will allow you to have the one who compliments your personality and character.  Trying to get what you want could possibly give you a beautiful mate that becomes a headache because you don't know what's best for you.  The Universe does.  God wants you to be happy and ask him for help.  He will send you the best person for you.
3. You should be able to effectively communicate.  If you don't know how, hold off on trying to date until you learn.  There are plenty of books available to assist you.  People aren't mind readers.  You have to teach people how to treat you.  Make sure you learn how to listen to your partner and be open to receive whatever they are communicating to you.  They are just as nervous and scared as you are so be patient.  Treat others as you want to be treated.
4.  When you first meet a person you are actually meeting their agent.  In a few months the real person will surface.  Observe their home and family.  How do they treat and communicate with their family members?  What are their parents like?  All the information is there, you just have to pay attention.  No matter what, if you are around someone long enough, the real person will always surface.  You can't suppress your true self for long.  Most of us spend more time on our cars and clothes than we do trying to understand our mates.  People want security, love and appreciation.  Take the time to learn about the one you love.  You may end up in a much happier home.
5. Don't become a dog just because someone didn't meet your expectations.  If you quit then you'll never be able to win.  You can't demand more from a person than you are willing to give.
6. Being in a relationship is like having a job.  You have to show up ready to work and have a positive attitude.  You get out of it what you put in it.
7. It's great for your mate to have bonding time with their friends.  This is important.  Find something that you like to do and allow them their male/female bonding time.  If you try to deprive them of anything, they may rebel and/or resent you.  Exercise trust.  If you don't trust them then let them go.  Period.
8. If you don't enjoy your own company, no one else will either.
9. There's a difference between wanting someone and not wanting to be alone.  Make sure you recognize the difference.
10. You can't expect men to think just like women.  If they did then they would be women and not men.  We are different and we need to embrace our differences.
11. Before you lay down with a man/woman, ask yourself "Would I want this person to be the mother/father of my children?"  If it takes you too long to answer, get dressed.  Because you could be stuck with this person for life. 
12. A broken heart will mend and become strong enough to hold your TRUE love.

I hope this helps