I always smile when I see people dishing out the vague advice and saying, "Just be yourself". While that might be the right advice for a lot of people, it's not good blanket advice if you want to actually have a long term relationship!

There is something wrong with every single one of us (even me believe it or not :-), and the idea that we should just let it all hang out, bad habits and all, is absolutely irresponsible and crazy! No wonder some people struggle. :-)

Yes.. Be yourself! That is awesome advice! Showing who you are will help you find that life partner and life long friends.

But... "Be the awesome you!" That is my advice always.

Subdue those traits that can get you into trouble with the ladies or guys. This doesn't mean you are being fake and false with this person, you are just showing them Your Awesome Self!

There's nothing wrong with that!

...of course, there is that chance that later in the relationship these traits, habits and other negative things arise, but at least you have a foundation to stand on already and will stand a better change you'll overcome these things.

Most of how you should act and what you should do is common sense... for most of us it will be. Not everyone. And if you are one of those that aren't quite sure, you'll need to do some homework.

The best way to learn how to treat the opposite (or not opposite sex) is to study the good, the bad and the ugly out there. What relationships have you seen fail? Listen to others in relationships that comment about various traits of their partners.

Don't note the not so normal situations though... like a woman or men that seems to enjoy being verbally abused etc and responds to that. THAT is not normal and probably stems from some past pain or situation!

Think positive... be good to the other and keep those bad habits to yourself.

I've witnessed over the years guys totally fail on the first date just because of some annoying habit at dinner - don't be that guy! Or women!

-Joe Taylor :-)