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Parenting - Romance - Can it Last?
Romance - Can It Last?
by: Thelma Mariano
I’m a sucker for romance. I love movies where boy
meets girl, boy loses girl and, against all odds, they find
their way back to each other. Or films about star-crossed
lovers, as in Bridges of Madison County, who return to their
separate lives forever changed.
In real life, though, I have learned to be wary of my own
longing to be swept away. It’s fun being pursued by
an ardent admirer and flattering to be wined and dined in
style. But after a few months I ask myself if all this attention
leads to anything more than a romp (or two) in bed.
In spite of changing times men are still the hunters –
they like to give chase and use all their wiles to win the
women they desire. They may want to develop a long-term
relationship but sometimes it’s the thrill of the chase
they enjoy most of all.
Women, on the other hand, can be lured by romance itself.
We want the whole fantasy – usually in the form of
an attractive, charismatic man who is more successful than
us – and that includes “happily ever after.”
In a new relationship we believe a man when he claims to
miss us and how he’ll do anything to keep us in his
life. If we are physically intimate with him, those potent
love chemicals (like pheromones) kick in, making him even
more desirable. We offer him our bodies and our hearts.
If things have moved too quickly, we may find that the man
we are starting to love is no knight. If he wears armour,
it is to protect himself, and as complications arise he
may very well jump on his horse and ride away.
I find that it takes at least six months to get to know
someone. In courtship a man will show you what he assumes
you want to see and will do everything in his power to keep
your interest. It is difficult for you to judge how sincere
he really is.
Here are a few ways to tell if your romance will last:
1. What his actions say
The proof is not in what he SAYS but in what he DOES. Does
he call when he says he will? Is he punctual? He may say
that he loves you, but does he give you importance in his
life… or do things like watching football with the
boys get a higher priority?
Too many women make excuses for their men and accept bad
behaviour. The truth is, his actions always speak for him.
You just need to listen.
2. He pays attention to you
Does he recall how you take your coffee, know your favourite
cuisine, and just where you need your back rubbed? Is he
quick to offer assistance when you need help or do you have
to ask him repeatedly before he steps in? A man who really
cares about you will use every opportunity to show it.
3. Who is the focus of conversation?
Do your conversations usually center around him and his
concerns? An interested man wants to know everything about
you, from how your day went to what is currently on your
mind. Does he sound bored or disinterested when you discuss
your work or relationship problems? Not a good sign!
Beware, too, of someone who puts you down to build himself
up. No matter how “helpful” he appears, pay attention
to how his comments make you feel.
4. How he treats others
How does he treat his co-workers, family members, or a
stranger asking for directions? Pay particular attention
to how he speaks to people who are serving him, such as
a waitress in a restaurant. Is he polite or arrogant and
condescending? Ouch! This is his true character peeking
through.
5. You consider him your friend
Is he only a lover? Or can you turn to him when you need
a shoulder to lean on? Romance with friendship at its core
has a much greater chance for success.
In the grips of romance, it is easy to be lured by extravagant
outings or gifts. However, a man who constantly tries to
impress is usually insecure and unable to connect at a deeper
level. One day the novelty of getting to know each other
will fade and you will be left with each other. What becomes
important is how likable your man really is and how honestly
you can communicate with each other.
For me romance can only last if I perceive my partner as
a confident and considerate person whom I can trust. He
must prove that he cares by his actions, whether he calls
just to hear the sound of my voice or makes time for me
in his hectic schedule.
With the right man, I feel loved and appreciated –
and that’s fertile ground for romance.
About
The Author
Copyright
2004 by Thelma Mariano
Thelma Mariano, life coach and author, is dedicated to
bringing clarity and direction to people's lives. See her
on-line coaching programs, articles and column at http://www.u-unlimited.ca.
thelma@u-unlimited.ca
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