By Women’s Mafia Editor and Relationship Columnist Ashley Papa
I don’t have a daughter or any children. But I asked myself, if I ever have a daughter, what lessons could I teach her about boys and dating? These would likely change as I get older. But, here are 13 I’d give her right now.
- Be passionate about other things, like science or music. Don’t let a boy or a relationship consume all of your energy.
- Date all types of boys. They can all teach you different things about what you want and who you want to be with in the end. Maybe a ‘techie’ will steal your heart when you thought you’d end up with a Wall Street banker.
- You will claim to ‘fall in love’ with all your boyfriends, but when you finally, really fall in love with the right one, you’ll look back at past boyfriends and realize, it really wasn’t love.
- Always speak up if something is bothering you. This doesn’t mean drown a boy in a tidal wave of your emotions. But if there is an issue that is weighing heavy on your heart and mind, you need to tell him. A boy that loves you will listen.
- Wait as long as you can to have sex.
- The only time a guy should ever make you cry is if it’s out of happiness. Never let a boy make you cry for any other reason.
- Not all, but many of the cool and popular boys end up growing into fat and unattractive men. So, don’t be too quick to blow off that nerdy looking math whiz who plays the trumpet.
- Pay more attention to a boy’s actions than what he says.
- Don’t be too quick to trust and respect. They both should be earned, not given.
- You should never have to convince a guy to want to be with you. You aren’t a sales girl trying to sell yourself. A boy should genuinely want to be with you because he can’t imagine his life without you.
- Don’t confuse an easy relationship and a convenient relationship. Sometimes the greatest love forms from the most inconvenient circumstances.
- You’ll likely run to your friends a lot for relationship help, listen and consider what they say. But remember that everyone has different experiences. So what may have worked for them, may not work for you, and vice versa.
- That said, you will receive lots of dating advice; from your family and your friends. But, in the end, you’ll make your own choices on what you do and who you date.
What would you add to this list? (Discuss!)
Send your burning dating, relationship and love questions Attn. “Ask Ashley” to info@womensmafia.com. A professional journalist by training and a television news producer by day, if Ashley doesn’t know the answer to your question, she will find the perfect expert to help!