Philanderer's Creed

1. I will listen to my lover with empathy and understanding, without judgments or preconceived notions. This is the single most important thing I must do, and trying to fake it will not work. I will let my lover talk openly without fear of criticism, and let them feel that they are truly heard. I will not tell my lover what to do or offer advice, unless asked. I WILL LISTEN.

2. I will open my heart to my lover. I will tell my lover about my dreams, my problems, my fears, my concerns and my feelings. I will share my interests, and outlook on life. I will share with my lover all I have been, am, and ever hope to become.

3. I will show my lover patience and gentle persistence. I will never give up pursuing my lover and trying to win her/him over, even after I have won. I will remember that love is not a game of speed or strength, but rather a game of endurance. I WILL NEVER STOP TRYING TO SEDUCE MY LOVER

4. I will be my lover's best friend: a warm, loving and affectionate companion. I will look out for my lover's welfare. I will always try my best to be there for my lover.

5. I will NEVER compromise my lover's home situation by thoughtless or selfish actions.

6. I will compliment my lover. By word and by deed I will make my lover feel noticed, smart, special, beautiful, desired, and appreciated. I will remember that how my lover feels about me is a direct result of how my lover feels about her/himself when I am with them.

7. I will work to bring romance and passion into my lover's life and keep it there. Little things go a long way, and if I am aware of how these little things make my lover feel, I will become addicted to them myself.

8. I will encourage my lover in her/his goals. My lover's power is my power, my lover's strengths, my strength, my lover's successes, my success.

9. I will respect my lover's independence. I will remember that my lover is her/his own person, with their own set of moods, goals, dreams, and aspirations. I will know when to step back and give my lover space. When in doubt, I will ask.

10. I will always strive to please my lover sexually. Our relationship already exists outside law and custom, so I will feel free to try new things. The only limit is what we both feel comfortable with it, and the only way we are going to discover our limits is by talking about them. I will remember that giving and receiving are equally important.

11. I will always remember that a loving relationship is never something I take for granted, but rather it is something I BUILD and then I MAINTAIN.