RULE 11

Get to know someone through all the seasons before making any major decisions

This Rule follows on nicely from the last one – and sex isn’t the only reason not to rush to conclusions.

We’re all quite cautious about how much of ourselves we reveal to other people. And in a new relationship, we’re going to do our best to present the most positive things to our new partner. You do it, I do it, everyone does it. It takes time to get to know someone well, and for them to feel sufficiently confident in you to drop their guard.

Of course, if this person is really as wonderful as you hope, the things that get revealed later on won’t be a problem. I have a friend whose partner is prone to depression. It was a few months before he found the courage ...

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