Oh, Hi! TOP FIVE THINGS You're doing that TURN YOUR MAN OFF.

We've ALL been there...you're several months into a relationship, feeling pretty sure about things.  He finally drops the L-Bomb, and you breathe a sigh of relief, which equates to "OhmyfriekingGAWD THANK YOU I can relax now and maybe not put on that fifth layer of mascara before every single da*n dinner"...

While you should ALWAYS be 100% you, 100% genuine, and represent yourself exactly as you are from the beginning of a courtship, we all know (admit it ladies) that before you've got that reassurance and comfort level in a relationship, it's like you're in a constant tizzy to make sure every little piece of hair is in place, every outfit is on point, and your naturally gorgeous, perfect cheek bone  and pouty lip equipped face might consist of just, like, an hour or two of prep.

There may be a certain level of glam that isn't practical to keep up every.single.day....but there are 5 KEY things that, if you want to keep that fire burning bright, you just can not let go...

Here they are, verified by guys, and fact checked by yours truly and countless girlfriends, in no particular order:

1. THE STUBBLE FACTOR - You've totally spoiled him by prepping for each rendezvous so far by making sure you're super smooth and totally touchable pretty much everywhere.  Then winter time hits, you're wearing pants, and figure you can let things slide for a few days. NO.NO.NO.  There's nothing worse for him than reaching across the bed to stroke your silky, umm, legs....and getting hit with sandpaper instead.  Talk about instant turn off.  We've all made out with that guy who leaves you with an unexpectedly exfoliated chin after your hot and heavy session. You think your man wants to experience that in areas a little less visible, and hello, way more sensitive? Ah-hem...nope....
   
2. THE FLAT FAUX PAS (and other wardrobe laziness) - Your outfits so far have been pretty killer...tight hot dresses and stilettos on late night dates, saucy skin baring ensembles and wedges for day time events, and slinky lingerie when you hit the sheets.  Like it or not, men are visually stimulated beings...So when their saucy little kitten all of a sudden starts rocking nothing but sweats at home, jeans and sneakers with a hoodie during the day, and OH MY GOD...FLATS on date night....don't be surprised if the steam in the bedroom follows the decline in the height of your heels. We're not saying you've got to be turned up to 10 all the time, but it's a mistake to just let it all go.  Save that for when he's out of town and it's time to Netflix and CHILL. SAME THING can be said for the makeup routine.  Again, full glam all the time isn't necessary, but how tough is it to throw on some concealer, mascara, and gloss? Just do it.
3. FILTERLESS BODY TALK - Believe it or not, your partner does not need to hear about what just happened in the bathroom, what effect your Mexican dinner of queso and bean burritos had on you, or get details about the ebb and flow of your cycle.  When it comes to what's going on with you internally, keep it to yourself, or text a girlfriend and have a good laugh.  Hell, even swap a few war stories.  The man...he doesn't need any of this info, and if you give it to him...let's just say that's not the visual you want him to be conjuring up when he's thinking about you during his day at the office.  
   
4. HYGIENE HIJINKS -  Similar to the Body Talk issue, he also shouldn't be made witness to any evidence of the issues we talked about in number 4.  Dispose of your girl garbage discreetly, use a bathroom out of ear range if possible, and DEAR GOD do not release any, umm....wind....from either end if you want to keep any feminine mystique going.  Just don't do it.
5. THE CRAZY COMES OUT -  You're chit chatting about life, having a fun little date...and then somehow the ex-factor gets brought up.  Instead of flipping out, throwing a million questions or sarcastic comments his way, or my personal favorite, going completely silent and into lockdown mode....get it together girl.  He's there with you, not anybody else.  He clearly feels comfortable enough to share with you, which is kind of killer, so don't ruin it.  Let him talk, and again, if you must flip out...text a girlfriend.  Spend an entire girl's night frieking out about it.  But don't let the CRAZY out.  We know that momentary insanity passes, and afterwards you feel pretty silly and embarrassed, not to mention you've got to rebuild your air of total security and get him back to a place where he can talk to you again...so just lock it down and move on.  SERIOUSLY.

We're NOT SAYING that you have to keep up some kind of false front to make a relationship work...but there are certain items, most importantly in our experience the ones in this list, that with a little effort can make a huge difference in the heat you keep going...

Agree? Disagree? Have something to add to the list? Comment below!

XO-A