DON'T MOVE TOO FAST 

 

It can be tempting¹ to want to blow through the honeymoon² stage and quickly settle into a comfortable routine or worse, do something drastic like move in together too soon. 

 

But wanting to spend every second together could be the death knell³ for your partner - so don't drop your whole life for them. 

 

Make sure to spend a few nights alone, continue to make time for the things you love and still go out with your friends. 

 

It's important to retain a little mystery to keep things exciting, says Meredith Fineman, founder⁴ of Fifty First (J)Dates. 

 

DON'T ASSUME THEY'RE PERFECT 

 

In the early days of a new relationship, you always try a little - or a lot - harder to impress your new partner. 

 

But don't expect that they will maintain those standards and give the relationship a bit more time before deciding if they're the one. 

 

Kate Figes, author of books including 'Couples: How We Make Love Last', says it's important to understand and accept that your new partner isn't infallible. 

 

DON'T BE POSSESSIVE 

 

Clinginess is always a turn-off. 

 

Just because you're newly dating doesn't mean your partner is obligated to spend all their time with you. 

 

Expecting (or demanding) too much of their time could signal to them that you're not compatible or that you don't trust them. 

 

DON'T AVOID SERIOUS DISCUSSIONS 

 

Don't avoid talking about your long-term goals and ambitions: Do you want to get married? Do you want kids? 

 

They don't need to happen on the very first date, but shouldn't be avoided for too long. 

 

DON'T TALK ABOUT YOUR EXES CONSTANTLY

 

Talking about past relationships is often unavoidable, but in the early stages of a new one, it can do some serious damage. 

 

Not only could it suggest that you're not over your ex, it could also make you or your new partner draw comparisons. 

 

Heather and Eric Viets, who both have Master's degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and run Preengaged.com, both agree that discussing past relationships is a major turn-off in a new one. 

 

DON'T LIE 

 

Honesty is always the best policy and a new relationship is no different. 

 

It's best to communicate openly about what you want rather than lie to avoid an argument, as it's just delaying the inevitable⁵. 

 

Even little white lies - like pretending to enjoy the same music or movies - could lead to huge regrets if you end up forced to spend years putting up with something you hate.

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