'A' for Effort

When you're single, you put a lot of effort into yourself and the whole dating scene.

I think women experience the most pressure when dating.

Why?

Because women feel the need to look and be "perfect" in order to attract the right person.

Intelligence. Conversation. Nails. Hair. Skin. Teeth. Body. Wardrobe.

What do guys really worry about on dates?

...their "horizontal" life.

Through friends, observations and my own experiences, that is what I've learned.

Put in what you expect out of the relationship.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Why does it change when you go from being single to a relationship?

Many people believe that when the effort goes out the window, so does the relationship.

Why is that?

People often times put forward a "temporary effort" until they get what they want.

When they feel more comfortable and confident, then they show their true colors.

Why not show your true colors from the beginning?

Why should we worry about our breath being minty fresh first thing in the morning?

...Or what we look like without make-up?

...Or what we're like around friends? family?

...Or how we eat corn-on-the-cob?

All of these small daily life details are often missed and not experienced during the first initial weeks/months of dating.

It's all glitz, glamour, opening doors, dinners out, etc.

I think people should experience the every day life things together.

This is a sure fire way to tell if you're compatible sooner, rather than later.

Who knows?...

You might not like how the other person does their laundry or what type of groceries they buy.

I'm not a dating expert...obviously, but I've learned a lot in my 26 (almost 27) years.

I know there is much more to learn though.

I feel it's important to put in the effort, but only your real honest every day effort.

Be yourself from the start.