This is really a good read, especially for the inexperienced people like me. This book shares with you certain red flags of men who cannot commit, so that you don’t have to waste your time performing trial and error. I wish I have read this book early, in my 20s. Nevertheless, it’s not too old to learn.
Some key takeaways I learnt, which are not exhaustive:
1. Having prior experience, I learnt (and am still learning) that it’s important to actively communicate your expectations of what you want to achieve out of the dating. But of course, communication is an art and you definitely would not want to come off as too aggressive. Before you do that, you must also be certain of what you want. So please do self-reflections before dating consciously, so that you do not waste each other’s time.
2. As highlighted, be clear of what you want and focus on your needs. It’s not your job to fix people, although I have a tendency of being overly helpful at the expense of my own interest. I am still learning how to take care of my own needs.
3. Believe whatever the person said, and never rationalise the person’s statements.
4. Set strong boundaries and standards. This is important, because you definitely won’t want to settle for anyone who treats you like a trash. This sounds commonsensical, but I have sadly seen cases where the women accept men who treated them like disposables.
5. Set a timeline, and know when to walk off. Each time you choose to hang on to a failing relationship, you close your door of finding a better partner.
6. Never settle down for a man who cannot give his all, and still pines for his ex.
I will definitely go back to this book from time to time.