It’s simple - women need attention. And affection. Don’t we all? I’m not saying to give in to neediness. The main thing is, women need to feel special. So, how do you make us feel this way?

Well, basically by telling the truth. Are you the male office flirt? Don’t you think that we hear you giving the same tired lines to more than one of us? If you really want to get to know a woman, you need to be sincere about getting to know her specifically. You know what I mean – you actually care what she thinks and feels. Trust me, we’ll pick up on that right away. And the rewards are amazing – guaranteed. But if you’re just trying to get laid, then forget the deep, soulful act and make it clear right away that you’re not open to a relationship. The worst thing you can do is to lead us on with promises of some commitment you have no intention of following through on. Where do you think our neediness comes from anyway? From too many lies from too many guys. No one wants to feel used.

Once you start dating, please continue that admirable streak of honesty. If it’s not working out, don’t just stop calling. In spite of all of our recently acquired tough love, he’s just-not-that-into-you wisdom, really, a clear explanation does help us disentangle ourselves. Making excuses and outright lying only creates more confusion. And potential stalking. It drives us crazy not to know. And if you’re lucky enough to truly be excited by us (as in awww, look at those crazy kids, he just loves being around his girl) for God’s Sake, let us know! None of us are mind readers. It’s nice to know we matter. The key is always communication, which naturally leads to fewer misunderstandings. Something we all strive for, no?

One more important thing to remember – holidays. To you, Valentine’s Day is a blatant marketing ploy to sell cards and flowers. O.K. that’s true, but who cares? If it makes your girl smile, just buy her the damn roses. Principles get in the way of love. Compromises and concessions make up relationships. This doesn’t mean you lose your sense of self and submerge your identity. It means you love her enough to let go of the smaller details that don’t matter in the bigger picture. You trust each other. You have real confidence in being your true selves around each other and you aren’t afraid. Fear wrecks many a couple and it usually comes from lack of … you guessed it, communication.

Bottom line? Talk to us. We love talking, as you well know. We won’t do it too much since we know you hate talking about your feelings. Just promise not to hide anything. If we don’t trust you, it won’t work.