How Much Should You Say?

What you say and what you don’t say when you meet a new woman is major factor in whether or not that relationship will go any further.

What amazes me most is how much we guys don’t hear ourselves when we speak. I have had personal experience in telling my fellow single dads to say less, listen more–especially when meeting women for the first time. It’s like a test that we go into that we are certain to fail if we don’t understand what we are saying.

Let me offer some examples on what I have learned over the years.

Q: How do you get along with your ex?
A: Keep it simple. Avoid the conflict, no matter what. I know we all own our particular hardship, but really, does the new girl you’re meeting for the first time need to hear the play-by-play?

Best Answer: I have an amicable relationship with my ex-wife and we love our children very much. It’s tough being a single parent and I have a lot of respect for single moms and dads. I am doing the best I can and have learned a lot about myself in the process.

Own up to it and keep it brief. The new girl in your life is asking “How are you handling adversity?” and if you go too far into it, you are essentially saying that you have not closed this chapter and you are emotionally unavailable. Trust me– you will be finished before you start if you go too far. Keep it brief, respectful, and take the higher ground.