Common mistakes in new relationships

He must learn to say 'no' sometimes. Maybe he wants to spare her feelings; maybe he wants to avoid her wrath; but both are poor excuses to become a pushover. If he disagrees with something, he has to tell her. If he doesn't like something, it's not right for him to 'take it.' Before he knows it, he'll be her lapdog and her personal chauffeur. And all he'll earn is derision, not respect.

9. He spends all his free time with her
There are two major dangers with this one. First, he forgoes his social life, which he needs to maintain for his own well-being. If he doesn't see his mates any more, he should be worried as they may not stick around forever. Second, he smothers her own personal time, which she also values. This formula will quickly make them sick of each other.

10. He showers her with gifts
Many men equate spending money on a woman with making her like him more. Buying her many, often expensive, presents or getting her something for every occasion, no matter how trivial, is a deadly mistake. It suggests a man has little to offer other than what's in his current account. Worse still, the woman may begin to expect gifts from him all the time. He needs to close his wallet and give her something priceless: himself. Furthermore, he shouldn't always pay on dates. It's the age of equality. If women expect to be paid the same as men, they should expect to pull their own weight as well. Being a gentleman is fine, but he shouldn't spoil her by footing every bill.

A yearlong effort
Maintaining a good relationship demands work and attention, and for him that means attending to himself as well. Making the mistakes outlined here can set a precedent in his relationship and potentially jeopardise its success in the future. So he needs to be alert and start off on the right foot.

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