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Sometimes we don't see a breakup coming until it hits us like a ton of bricks. We think everything is going great with our guy until WHAM! He drops the breakup bomb. That's why author and dating expert Lauren Frances says it's time to wise up and take off those rose-colored glasses. In this excerpt from her new book, Dating, Mating, and Manhandling, she walks us through a relationship reality check. Her tips can help us assess whether or not our union is worth fighting for.
Watch Video: Best Way to Break Up?
Resist the urge to preen.
Most women love to fluff up everything around them. My calico cat was the recipient of much (unwanted) attention. He never asked to be put in a dolly dress, and in one photo is struggling with a cherry lolly that I rammed into his mouth "because he liked it." The bunny got sent to the vet when I "accidentally" hugged it too hard, and I broke my Easy-Bake Oven from excessive entertaining.
I, like so many women, needed to overcome the tendency to get carried away with the activities associated with being "in love." This is dangerous territory to tread on, especially in the courtship phase of a relationship. (Stick to bikini waxing, jogging and dust busting.) Unfortunately, when you become a whirling dervish of romantic activity, you run the risk of stifling your suitor's natural instinct to ante up and build the relationship with you. Men are practical. If you're doing all of the hard labor, they'll take it as a cue to move their focus to other important things (like foosball), because in their minds… you're handled.
