What are your three non-negotiables (in a relationship)?

[Library_girl]

Well I, too, have more than three. I think the older I get, the more non-negotiables I have. Call it experience, or taking better care of myself, or wisdom, or caution--I think it's all of those. So here are the big ones that come to mind:

1. Respect. You must completely respect me, my family and friends, my choices, my identity, my career, pretty much everything about me. You don't have to agree with everything or like everything or everyone in my life, but RESPECT is required. And I will give you absolute respect in return. Also, respect others, yourself, animals, the world around you.

2. Self esteem. You don't need to be perfect in this area, and god knows I'm not. My self esteem is a work in progress. But please don't be insecure and distrust me. People who don't trust, who think someone is cheating or lying, are just insecure. And don't have so much self-hatred that it keeps you from having a happy and fulfilling life on your own. Which brings me to #3.......

3. Have a life of your own. You should have your own place to live, job, independence, your own hobbies, friends, interests, things you like to do by yourself or with others. This doesn't mean I don't want tons of time with you, because I do. I admit I'm a femme who wants attention. But please continue your life if we are going to have a life together. Because I still plan to go shopping with my femme friends, visit my sister, hang out with my niece, go out after work, etc., and then come home to you.

4. Take charge and stick with it. I'm a girl who leads a double life. At work, I'm the boss and I'm in control. I make decisions all day and boss people around. I have to talk all the time, and deal with the public all day long. So when I get home, I don't want to be The Boss anymore. I want a Daddy. I want to be your girl, and I want to be loved and protected. And when you make a decision or commit to doing something......do it. Don't be the "all talk and no action" type.

5. Think I'm awesome. This may seem pretty simple, right? I want someone who thinks I'm wonderful, smart, beautiful, sexy, hilarious, and so on. Flattery will get you everywhere!

6. Affection. This is a MAJOR requirement! I'm talkin' physical, romantic, emotional, passionate affection. Bring it. Lots of it.

There's more, but those are the highlights! And I'm currently accepting applications for the position of said Daddy. The interviews promise to be enchanting.

[Ginger]

I don't have any non-negotiables. I put up with pretty much any crazy ass thing. Then I don't. I just bolt when it's clear the pain of losing someone will hurt more than the pain of staying. It can be excruciating, weighing those two things, but I weigh them like the Libra I am till I'm goddamn good and ready to make a change.

[JustBeingMe]

There are at least 2 things I don't tolerate in a relationship.
Cheating and Dishonesty. Usually these 2 things go hand in hand, been there experienced this with a few folks, and can't tolerate it. These are deal breakers for me. If I think of the 3rd one I will come back and post.
I only have monogamous relationships.