How to Drive a Man Away

If relationships were easy, the divorce rate wouldn't be at 50 percent. So take it from a girl who's seen her share of break-ups. No guy wants to hang around and watch these bad relationship habits boil over like a pot of pea soup.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A sense of insecurity
• A lack of self-esteem
• A negative attitude

1. Trust is key in a relationship, so don't always doubt your man when he's out of your sight. Unless there's good reason not to trust him, i.e. history of cheating, chronic lying, he's a gorgeous male model, etc. Not many guys enjoy answering 21 questions after a night out with the boys or if they recently spoke with a college buddy who happens to be of the opposite sex. Especially if they didn't do anything wrong. If second-guessing him becomes a habit, he's always going to feel on the defense. And jealous behavior can get real old, real fast. Trust me on this one.
2. Nag. Nag. Nag. If you're always on your man's case about what he should or should not be doing on his day off, the clothes he wears, how he could be a better listener, yada yada yada, he's going to get sick of it. Plain and simple. If issues exist, sit down and discuss them like mature adults instead of nagging him all the time. Would you rather be his mother or his lover? I'd pick the latter.
3. OK, maybe your butt really does look big in those favorite pair of jeans. Or everything you own in your closet. But he either doesn't agree or doesn't mind. He obviously likes the way you look or he wouldn't be dating you. Unless you have a lot of money. That last one can be hard to prove. So ladies, love your bodies. And don't complain constantly about how fat you look (especially if you're really skinny). Confidence is a total turn-on for most guys. Poor self-image can be a relationship buzz kill, especially if insecurities are always being brought up in conversation. Love yourself as much as, or more than, he loves you.
4. Just as you would hate it if he didn't support your hobbies or understand your work, put yourself in his shoes. Love him for who he is and what inspires him in life. Pay attention to what brings him the most happiness or satisfaction. Even if you don't get it. Embrace his personality and the qualities that attracted you in the first place. Unless, of course, he abuses drugs and alcohol or is violent. That's an entirely different monster. But if he's a nice guy who loves to rock climb, for example, cheer him on and appreciate his talents. Don't hate. Congratulate. Or something to that effect.

Tips & Warnings

• Love is kind. Jealousy is one mean mistress.
• A positive outlook trumps a bad attitude any day.
• Feel pretty and let him know you feel pretty, too.
• Remember why you fell in love with him in the first place.
• And don't forget it.