Some rules are meant to be broken. But when it comes to dating successfully following these time tested rules will insure a long and healthy relationship.

Dating Rule #9: Don’t share excessive details about your past

You have a past and she does too. But there is no need to bring up your past troubles and triumphs. Doing so will only lead to jealousy and competition, both of which are harmful to any relationship. She doesn’t want to hear about those drunken one-night stands or how hot your ex-girlfriend was. When it comes to your past it’s best to keep it as arcane and mysterious as possible. You just want to give her enough to show off your credentials and to solidify your potential as a dating partner.

Dating Rule #8: Don’t put that girl on a pedestal

Airing your feelings is almost always a bad idea. Telling her how warm and fuzzy she makes you feel inside every time she walks into the room will come across as desperate and can be quite overbearing. There’s a time and place for compliments and romance but for the most part you want to treat her as a real person.

Dating Rule #7: Keep your enthusiasm level in check

If you’ve fallen hard for her, and chances are you have, try to give her some room to breath. Nobody likes a stalker, and acting in such a way that might portray you as one can only be bad for the relationship. Don’t over do it on the phone calls, show up at her work unexpectedly, or ask her to go out everyday of the week. Always leave her wanting more and she’ll come to you.

Dating Rule #6: Don’t lead her on

You got to know when to hold ‘em, fold ‘em, or walk away. If it just isn’t working out be a gentleman about it and let her know in a courteous manner that it is over.

Dating Rule #5: Don’t over do the compliments

Definitely make her feel good about herself. But remember, keep the compliments to a minimum. Otherwise, you run the risk of coming off as insincere.

Dating Rule #4: Don’t discuss other women

This one goes without saying. When with your lady, using discretion regarding other females is a must. She doesn’t want to hear what you’d do to the beautiful blond sitting across room or about the cute girl you met at the coffee shop yesterday. It’s about being respectful to your girl. The last thing you want is to come off as someone who can’t control his impulses. Utilizing this rule is key.

Dating Rule #3: Remember, it’s all in the details

After you’ve dated the same girl for a while becoming comfortable around them is a natural progression. Keep in mind though that those things you did in the beginning, keeping your appearance in check, being a gentleman, and making her feel good about herself are the things that attracted her to you in the first place. Keep doing those things. Otherwise, you run the risk of letting her know that you no-longer care and the relationship will start to fizzle. Don’t forget the details!

Dating Rule #2: Slow down

I’m not saying to take it lying down, but you don’t have to rush an already natural progression. Most relationships evolve at their own pace. Be aware of this and you’ll avoid putting unwanted pressure on your new flame. Just make sure that it feels right. And by no means should you tell her that you love her within the first month. Let her say it first. This is very important.

Dating Rule #1: Don’t give up!

Not every girl you pickup will agree to a date and not every date is gonna work out perfectly. Remember that you’re looking at a long road ahead filled with potential heartache and tears, but don’t lose faith. Hang in there. Learn as much as you can from previous mistakes and experiences and move on to the next one.

Following these few simple rules in the beginning will help you avoid a lot of headaches later on. The key is to go out and have fun, all the while remembering to be true to yourself.