Like most women, I have spent the majority of my dating life in a cycle that looks something like this-meet a man I'm interested in, go on a few more dates, get completely turned off by something he does, find myself alone again, eat a lot of ice cream.
That pretty much sums it up.
I don't think I'm alone in this, both men and women experience this cycle, it's a little something called "dating." However, since I can only speak for the ladies, there are quite a few commonalities between the things men did that turned me off, it's as if they all read the same dating advice book claiming to know what women want. Well, I'm here to tell you that the book lied and you should definitely get a refund. Here are the top 5 things that men do that scare a woman away.
1. Focusing on Sex.
You're a guy, you have sex on the brain... we get it. So do most women, for that matter, but that doesn't mean it is all we can talk or think about. If you are constantly talking about sex, joking about sex, making sexual innuendos, asking for more physical contact, being overly touchy, or asking inappropriate questions, etc, a woman is going to think that you don't want to go out with her at all-you're just a horndog who wants to get laid. Let sexual tension build naturally, it's way more fun that way.
2. Tell Us How Terrible Your Ex Is.
A good general rule for both men and women is to never talk about your ex when you're dating someone new. Just don't! If you're single and emotionally available, that is all that really matters, at least in the beginning. Should you commit to a serious relationship with someone, then you can tell the sordid tale (..if you must and it's relevant), without coming across like a needy, scarred, obsessed jilted lover. Win, win.
3. Playing Games.
Long gone are the days when a woman would ever just sit around and wait for a guy to call, wondering where he is and what he's doing. Thanks to social media, we no longer have to wonder if you fell off a cliff or fell into another woman's arms...chances are the story is played out in real time on Instagram or Facebook. The jig is up. If you say you're going to call, call. If you don't want to see each other again, be upfront about it. Most women are not going to wait by their phones with baited breath anymore-we've got too many options and less time than ever!
4. Stalker Behavior.
It's sweet when a guy is really interested in a woman, and takes time to learn about her, pay attention to her and really seem to care about her day to day life. However, some men take interest to slightly creepy levels. Things like: Showing up at her house or workplace unannounced, friend requesting her friends and family on Facebook, reading her text messages or emails, asking interrogating questions about her male friends...you've jumped the gap from sweet to creep.
5. Demanding Commitment.
If you've met a truly awesome girl, it makes sense that you'd want to cement her as "yours" as soon as possible to make sure another dude doesn't scoop her up first. However, it's crucial that the woman you're dating feels the same way before you start asking her to change her Facebook status to "in a relationship with..." or introducing her to your family. Too much, too soon, can leave a woman feeling like you want to control her, which will do nothing more than make her change her number and run for the hills!