Brownie Points
November 11, 2008 · Print This Article
Relationships shouldn’t come with score cards but inevitably we either rack up brownie points or suffer the consequences of being kicked to the curb. Let’s be honest, chicks can be psycho and crazy just isn’t cute! (Unless of course your fantasies include a straight jacket and ball gag…but that’s an entirely different subject all together.) So how about we try and minimize the insanity factor, shall we? I’m talking to you, men!
We all know that men and women simply aren’t wired the same…Mars and Venus ring a bell? If you happen to be a card carrying member of the penis club there are a few things you ought to know about the *ahem* fairer sex, if you’d like to keep your relationship balance in the black.
Gentlemen, please do us a favor and keep in mind that we ladies live by a different set of rules that are governed by our hormones. Sorry, it’s not an excuse just a fact. And one that I’m sure you’re already aware of…unless you live in a cave. What you may not know however is how to navigate our fragile environments in such a way that will keep us swooning rather than devising our exit strategies.
Let us help you…it is after all our predisposed genetic tendency. Pay attention guys, because those little things you may be doing that you think are winning her over could very well be causing her to fantasize about smothering you in your sleep.
Here are a few helpful hints to keep your sweetheart confident in the decision that she’s made you her one and only…
Fix her stuff, not her troubles.
Although your gal may be perfectly capable of changing a light bulb or checking the oil in her car, those pesky tasks are not always high on her priority list. Taking the initiative to do those little things lets her know that you’re concerned with her safety and well-being. Trying to solve her workplace woes on the other hand will more than likely be met with resistance…steer clear of that in which you cannot change!
Control your green eyed monster.
Women want to know that the man in her life finds her attractive and desirable, but that doesn’t mean she wants to break up a bar room brawl. Rather than threatening to kick some dudes ass for checking out your woman, just smile, nod and appreciate the fact that you’re the one she’s going home with…and going down on.
“Good Night, Sugar”
Although silence is often a virtue, women connect through communication. Taking the time to say “Good Night” is a simple and very effective way to ensure that she sleeps peacefully. Two seconds of effort will provide hours of joy…where else can you get a return on your investment like that?
Lost and Found
Don’t lose your lovely…she is after all your most prized possession. A quick wink from across a crowded room tells her that you’re paying attention and ready to whisk her away at the slightest inkling that Aunt Betsy’s stories are starting to drone on.
Jekyll and Hyde
If you wouldn’t do it in front of her, don’t do it behind her back. Remember, the walls have eyes…and ears. If you misbehave, she will find out. So mind your P’s and Q’s and don’t do anything you wouldn’t want her doing. I really didn’t need to mention this, did I?
Pushing Buttons
Sure it was cute when you pulled our ponytails on the playground, but it’s time to grow up. Incessant teasing is adorable for about the first two minutes, after that we want to punch you right in the smacker! If you must “get a reaction” out of your lovah try inducing a smile/head tilt. You’ll enjoy the rewards much more than a black eye.
“Bitch!”
Name calling in the midst of an argument is disrespectful and never acceptable! If your sweetie has irritated you in ways that only your Mother can, take your frustrations out on her cooter not her eardrums. If you must mutter obscenities in the heat of the moment, do it between the sheets.
Believe it or not, those of us who own vajajas really are simple creatures; although we can make things more complicated than need be. We will over-analyze and interpret your every word and action; again, my apologies. Remember however, that it isn’t all that difficult to keep your lady enthralled and enthusiastic it just takes a wee bit of effort. So run, be free, and be kind to the one who greets your morning breath with a smile.
Oh, and p.s.
“Don’t be a dick!”
Okay girls, these were just a few of the many things men can do to make our hearts go pitter-patter. What are your relationship do’s and don’ts? Guys, do you have a secret weapon when it comes to making the woman in your life pleased to see your face? Or are you struggling to stay afloat in the dating pool?












On 11/10/08 at 10:07 pm
Trista said:
Can’t think…last picture…too hot…
I’m going to the corner to drool and count off the days till my vacation.
On 11/11/08 at 7:01 am
Karri said:
I can’t believe you’re FINALLY nearing the one week mark.
WHEEEEEEE!!!
On 11/11/08 at 4:31 am
lisaq said:
I don’t have anything new to add. I do have to say that taking care of those pesky little things like light bulbs will get a man damn near anything he wants.
And I love a good night call or text and even a good morning one, but don’t frickin’ over do it. Too much of a good thing can be smothering and come off needy.
On 11/11/08 at 7:19 am
Karri said:
I think “good night/morning” only feels smothering if you’re really not into him. At some point isn’t that something you want to hear every day? Curious.
On 11/11/08 at 6:54 am
~Lori~ said:
Not a whole to add myself, I agree with Lisaq, a simple text, when least expected is nice. It’s the simple, thoughtful things, not always grand gestures that will just make your gal smile and bury you deeper in her heart.
On 11/11/08 at 7:21 am
Karri said:
I agree Lori, it’s the little things that keep a relationship moving in a positive direction. Not only will he get in her heart, but he’ll get in her head too.
On 11/11/08 at 7:00 pm
troy said:
so SO true!
I make it super important to say “g’nite” and “g’mornin” and “cant wait to see you later!”
On 11/11/08 at 7:14 pm
Karri said:
I knew there was a reason I like you, Troy!
On 11/11/08 at 8:24 am
pecosa said:
A wink from across a crowded room can do wonders for the night to come.
Being sweet and understanding as well as knowing when to back off when we’re hormonal is always a plus.
On 11/11/08 at 8:40 am
Karri said:
“Don’t touch me!” is a pretty good indicator of when to back off, no?
On 11/11/08 at 9:21 am
Phoenix said:
Of course every girl enjoys getting flowers and cards/notes, but even a little will go a long way. Even if only once per year, for no reason at all, he gets her one or both of those things, she will appreciate it for a very long time.
Couldn’t agree more with the look/wink/smile across a crowded room. *swoon*
On 11/11/08 at 9:38 am
Karri said:
Personally, I fancy hand picked flowers over spending far too much cash on those from a florist. Anyone can make a phone call, but the extra effort of picking them makes me all warm and fuzzy.
A wink…who says we’re difficult? That’s just an intentional twitch. Seriously, who can’t do that?!
On 11/11/08 at 11:39 am
Phoenix said:
Oh, I agree, the hand picked flowers, hand written notes, or hand painted art are the most precious of all, but the generic ones work just fine too.
On 11/11/08 at 1:15 pm
Karri said:
Send out the memo, will ya?
On 11/11/08 at 10:48 am
Jeremy said:
Karri is the resident expert on keeping men in line…
On 11/11/08 at 1:16 pm
Karri said:
PFFFFT!
Right.
On 11/11/08 at 10:49 am
Kiki said:
Speaking of dicks. Remember my fella? The one who was calling every day, and we’d talk for hours and have oh so much in common? The one who took me out on dates lasting upwards of 5 hours? The one who said he was going to teach me to drive in the snow?
Well.
The fucker hasn’t called or responded to me in any way in 9 days. So I emailed and said I was hurt and disappointed he didn’t even have the balls to end whatever we had going with a simple thanks but no thanks. So I was doing it for him. Thanks but no thanks. Have a nice life. Asshole.
Anyhoo.
Sorry for the hijack. Just had to get that off my chest. I feel better now
thanks.
On 11/11/08 at 11:38 am
Phoenix said:
That totally sucks Kiki.
There is nothing like thinking something is one way and then having someone pull a 180.
One time I was seeing a guy and he dropped off the radar like that, for no reason. After leaving a couple messages that weren’t returned, I gave up. A few months later he calls out of the blue and says the reason he hadn’t called is that he was in a serious car accident. He almost died. He was seriously still in the hospital. By then he was Mr. BadGuy in my head and we never dated again, but I felt like shit for awhile for the negative assumptions and messages, thats for sure. :p
On 11/11/08 at 1:19 pm
Karri said:
Phi,
I know I’m not the only girl who has an irrational fear of bad things happening to those we care about. I can’t imagine actually having it come to fruition. YIKES!
On 11/11/08 at 1:18 pm
Karri said:
Kiki,
WHAT.
THE.
FUCK?!
I’m so sorry, honey. Not because he’s out of your life, but because he seems to have lost his balls.
Feel free to hijack anytime…whatever we can do, we’re here.
MEN: Please pay attention…this is a perfect example of what NOT to do!!!
*sigh*
On 11/11/08 at 2:02 pm
Trista said:
Either you have offended all the men or they have completely abandoned us.
On 11/11/08 at 2:06 pm
Karri said:
It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve offended them I’m sure. Or perhaps they’re diligently taking notes?
Whatever.
On 11/11/08 at 2:55 pm
Rex said:
“Guys, do you have a secret weapon when it comes to making the woman in your life pleased to see your face?”
Yeah. Don’t talk to her for weeks at a time. heh No one has ever gotten angry at me for “being busy”. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and all that shit.
Another similar “weapon”: If a woman does have a hissy fit and threatens to never want to talk to me again… I acquiesce to their wishes.
It’s not a play to get the upper hand. I simply do what she wants and get the fuck out. I hate meaningless conflicts, so she’s actually doing me a service.
Days or weeks later, she apologizes and we attempt again.
On 11/11/08 at 3:00 pm
Karri said:
That sounds like a fun little roller coaster you’re riding there my friend.
That is if you like that sort of thing.
On 11/11/08 at 3:07 pm
Rex said:
Sometimes, one can’t avoid “psycho and crazy”. Some women know how to hide it very well. Until the third or fourth week… that’s when the hijinks ensue!
And by “hijinks ensue”, I mean the most schizophrenic shitstorm of personality shifts… *sadface*
Anyways, those examples were from when I was more active on the scene. I’m writing this from a MONASTERY at the moment.
On 11/11/08 at 3:21 pm
Karri said:
Hmmm…third or fourth week personality shift? We like to call this PMS. Learn to embrace it, it’ll make your life easier. Or just retreat to the monastery for a few days a month.
On 11/11/08 at 4:20 pm
Meghan said:
Holy Crap this has been a helluva day!
But it does lead me to a relationship DO after the last 12 hours I have had. When I come home frazzled and exhausted… understand I need a little space, but don’t avoid me in fear of me ripping your head off…I won’t.
And if you find a way to sneak in even the smallest kiss on my shoulder to let me know you aren’t avoiding me…I’ll be back to my old self in no time.
On 11/11/08 at 7:19 pm
Karri said:
There she is…you were missed today, miss!
I love your “DO”…well said!
On 11/11/08 at 5:19 pm
Matt said:
Regarding the green eyed monster, my experience as one who is not at all naturally inclined to be jealous has been that women often want just a little bit of jealousy from their mates and will get frustrated with you if you don’t demonstrate a small amount of token jealousy now and then. As is the case with most things, moderation is key.
On a related note, ladies, can we have a gentlepersons’ agreement (do I get some brownie points for that awkward but gender-inclusive language?) that we men will change your lightbulbs for you if you promise not to pick a fight with Hulk Hogan and his girlfriend at the nightclub and then expect us to finish it for you? Hasn’t happened to me personally, but I’ve seen this phenomenon more times than I can count.
On 11/11/08 at 7:23 pm
Karri said:
How much of jealous rage are we talking here? A “hey, so I saw that guy checking out your new jeans” or “if he looks at you again I’m going to beat his ass.” (Hulk Hogan or not optional)
And Matt, I hate to be the one to break it to you, but those are bar flies that pick fights, not ladies.
On 11/11/08 at 8:17 pm
Matt said:
The basic jealousy requirement involves no rage. It’s more like a simple comment to her that some dude was checking out her ass and you didn’t like it. It’s a minimal thing. Apparently, if you don’t occasionally mention this sort of thing, the implication is that you don’t care enough about her.
The reason why this is related to the get-into-the-octagon-with-Mr.-Hogan issue is that the girl with the zero-jealousy boyfriend will escalate and provoke a situation where her boyfriend is challenged to defend her. She does this by starting girl-drama with the girlfriend of the biggest neanderthal within reach (those two are typically the bar flies of which you speak). After she has gotten the drama going, she then brings her boyfriend (who has no idea what’s been going on) into the situation.
Inevitably, neanderthal guy is pissed off and ready to rumble and, since he has a rule against hitting girls (at least in public), he focuses his desire to kick somebody’s ass onto the boyfriend of drama-starter-girl. This ends one of two ways: either drama-starter-girl’s boyfriend fights, thus giving drama-girl what she wants (validation), or he initiates diplomacy and does his best to make a hasty exit with drama-girl in tow while she is trying her best to reinitiate the conflict the whole way out. Outside the venue, she turns on her boyfriend for “not caring about her”. As an avid people-watcher, I find it quite fascinating when I see it play out (from a safe distance, of course), but I would not want to be in that situation myself.
On 11/11/08 at 7:06 pm
Kel said:
Wonderful advice you’ve shared here my friend. I have nothing to add but my support. We both know I’ve given up on this aspect of life. Plus, what man in the world would put up with my doggie activities?? If you can find him, send him my way - but be sure to give him this list too!!
On 11/11/08 at 7:26 pm
Karri said:
AWE, thanks, girl! I do so love it when you stop by these parts!
I’m more than happy to go on a man hunt for you…can I?!
On 11/12/08 at 11:56 am
Kel said:
Sure! Consider it a challenge!
On 11/12/08 at 3:08 pm
Jaime said:
*serious applause!*
I’m totally forwarding this to my boyfriend, even though he doesn’t NEED to read it.