If you’re single and looking for lasting love, the best way to avoid the mind games that men play is to date the way you want to date. You teach people how to treat you from the moment you meet them. Turning down men who play games leaves room for a relationship-ready man to appear in your life.

Here are six behaviors of women who always marry quality men:

1. They practice slow love

This may seem counterintuitive, but slow down the dating process can speed up the time it takes to meet your soul mate. Most people date it back and give a stranger the benefit of the doubt.

Don’t let feelings of attraction and chemistry cloud your judgment. Take red flags seriously and never excuse the mind games men play.

Don’t get caught up in the intense emotions of a new relationship. It’s important to see how he behaves when there is conflict between you (not just when things are going well).

Give yourself time to evaluate whether this new person is an ideal long-term partner. Taking it slow gives you more chance to be vulnerable in the relationship, which is necessary to let the love grow. a 2022 study confirms this.

RELATED: Experts Reveal The 27 Golden Signs A Man Is A Husband

2. They date more than one person at a time

Taryn Elliott/Pexels

You need to gather enough data about yourself and the men you date have dates with several people. Most people scan profiles looking for reasons to say “no” to a date with someone.

According to data from the Pew Research Center46% of Americans have used a dating app at some point. Your future partner could be one of them. Too short, wrong color hair or doesn’t have a college degree. Any excuse to eliminate them. Instead, look for reasons to say “yes” to a date. Stop creating obstacles to meeting new people.

Each person you meet allows you to learn more about yourself, get a clear idea of ​​what you want in a beloved partnership, and opportunities for you to be authentic and ask for what you want and what you need. By dating multiple people, you’ll avoid quickly investing your heart in a man who seems too good to be true, and avoid men who play mind games.

RELATED: 3 Specific Ways to Get Him to Commit

3. They set clear boundaries

Create and maintain healthy boundaries develops strong respect and self-esteem, research from 2019 confirms this. Lack of self-esteem will make you a target for the mental games men play.

You may ignore their manipulative behavior or mistakenly believe that you have to tolerate it. Respect is the healthy boundary that comes with true love.

Clarify your deal breakers and keep all the promises you make to yourself. Use dating as a tool to cultivate discernment so you can screen out those who aren’t a good fit. Present yourself authentically and express your desires.

Lasting love happens when two whole and complete people come together to form a third entity: the relationship. When you set a limit, you show that you care and matter.

4. They actively make requests

studio cottonbro / Pexels

If you need or want anything from your date, make a request. You will never get what you want if you don’t ask for it. Communication is important in a relationship, especially in the beginning, and can lead to greater relationship satisfaction. research from 2021 confirms this.

It may feel uncomfortable to speak your truth, but it’s worth it. Even if you don’t get what you want, you’ll feel better about yourself by speaking up.

The man who wants to build a relationship with you will want to know how to win your heart. By speaking, you let him know how to please you. By making requests, you will ensure that your needs are met and that you are not taken advantage of.

RELATED: The #1 way to find love, study finds

5. They respect each other

A healthy, loving relationship with yourself is a key part of having a healthy, loving relationship with your loved one. To break the tendency to fall into the mental games men play, learn to take a stand for yourself.

Respect yourself by not putting up with less than you truly deserve. 2020 research shows that respecting yourself allows you to have greater confidence and self-esteem, which allows you to choose better partners.

Always remember that you deserve to be treated with love, respect and kindness in a relationship. Don’t tolerate behavior that makes you feel inferior, unaccepted, or criticized. The right partner will want you to feel good about yourself!

6. They cultivate positive energy

Your heart karma is created by the actions you take in your relationships. When you act with integrityyou create space for others to do the same.

Cultivate positive energy in your life by taking actions consistent with your values. This will keep you from getting caught up in the mental games that men play.

Cleanse your past heart karma by practicing forgiveness with yourself and those who have hurt you. Vow to do better in the future. Treat your dates with the respect they deserve and expect the same in return.

Remember that the most important thing is to stay true to yourself and your values. Don’t compromise your boundaries or self-respect with anyone. With the right mindset and strategies, you can avoid the mind games that men play and build healthy, fulfilling relationships with a man worthy of your love.

RELATED: 8 Hard to Hear Signs He’s Only Using You

Orna and Matthew Walters are dating coaches and the founders of Create love on purpose with a holistic approach to transform hidden blockages into love, and the authors of Do it right this time.