to the "right guys" and the "perfect girls"

So there have been plenty of forwards and bulletins on myspace, facebook, and through basic email with a title along the lines of "How a Guy Should Treat His Girl" or "Things Girls Need to Know About Guys".

Although they prove some very good points about things that guys and girls miss about the opposite sex, I believe the resolution can be solved in a few simple steps.

First of all, never treat your guy or girl like "the rest of the guys / girls". By placing him or her into said "category", you're basically taking all the assumptions and stereotypes that have ever been created and putting that before you. When you are with your significant other, just simply enjoy his / her company; BE with him / her.

Secondly, follow the Golden Rule (Yeah, remember that WAY back in 2nd grade? Guess what, you're growing up, and it's following you throughout your life). Treat others the way you want to be treated. If you want to be treated with respect, you BETTER treat your (wo)man the right way. No double standards. No exceptions to the rule.

Another thing, don't forget about the chivalry. Okay, this part may be in those forwards / bulletins, but it's one of the big ones. This act of generosity and kindness did NOT die out. It doesn't just mean that guys have to hold the door open for the girl or tell her that she's beautiful (Although, it would be nice). This also means, however, that a girl should pay just as much respect to the guy. Thanking a guy for simply holding a door open or even just making you smile is a given. Girls can offer random acts of kindness as well. It goes both ways.

Lastly, don't expect any sort of mannerisms or behaviors out of anyone. You cannot change the person you are with. If you want to be with that person, you are stuck with the way (s)he is. No one is perfect. People make mistakes. Life is tough. Can't handle it? (S)he deserves better than you.

There are probably lots of other issues I could bring up right now, but that's all I really have time for. I don't want to turn into another forward that has sixty million things to point out.

So for all of you people in relationships, just be with the person you're with. YES, this IS easier said than done, but it IS pretty simple. Just don't ever take anything for granted and appreciate everything / everyone you've got.