Things we wish boys knew...

Beyonce sure hit on some good points...  But what about other things that aren't included in her song?  Well, here's what I've decided I wish boys (and some girls) knew (unfortunately from experience).

• When you say you're going to call, please do!  When you don't, it's as if we don't matter and whatever else you're doing is way more important.  Calling when you say you're going to is a small thing that we take very seriously and demonstrates how trustworthy you are.
• Flowers, perfume, jewelry, and similar things are all fantastic.  But please, don't shower us with gifts until you know what we like and want...  And don't start out with so many sweet gifts that you go broke when you have to outdo yourself the next holiday.  Sometimes the smallest and sweetest things mean the most - flowers from your yard, a sweet card handwritten, or you stopping by the office to share a homemade lunch mean a lot!
• It's incredibly hard to take a step back!  What do you do when you fall for a guy who turns out to not be as into you as originally proclaimed?  It's hard, and so guys, don't say stuff unless you mean it!
• Breaking up with us may be the hardest thing you have to do all day, but we're big girls.  Say it, do it, and get it over with!  Shutting down, stopping communication and avoiding us just makes things worse.  Every day I have to deal with tough customers, frustrating bosses, and know-it-all's in many different shapes and sizes.  You breaking up with me isn't going to be the end of the world.  Yes, we may cry, but man up, use your words, and move on - save me the time of doing it myself!
• Men should not wear purses.  Unless they are standing by the ladies room holding their woman's bag, and they are incredibly embarrassed about it, men should keep their valuables in their pockets and wallets.  A wallet on a string could not be a bigger turnoff for a girl.  Man up and wear some jeans.
• And while we're on the subject: Wrangler butts make me nuts... But you can't wear your Wranglers everywhere.  Get out, get some different clothes, and be able to be taken somewhere besides the rodeo.  Nothing is hotter than a guy who can pull of a cowboy/western look one day, take a lady to a nice dinner the next, and then go fishing and camping, all without having to go to the store and buy new clothes for each event.
• Be you.  And I'll be me.  One of my favorite quotes is, "If you can't handle me at my worst you don't deserve me at my best."  I personally have tough seasons in my life, and I try to be as authentic as possible during those times.  We all have rough days, and the one way to get over them is to talk about them, share your frustrations, and then find a way to let it go and laugh again.  Just be authentic and don't put on a fake front because you don't think we can handle your problems in addition to ours.
• I'm going to ask questions about you while we're on a date and getting to know each other.  Reciprocation is great.  Ask me something - I'm an open book (have you been reading this blog?).
• We were raised on girl porn.  What's girl porn?  It's the impossibly high standards girls are given through our Disney Princess movies, the Josh Hartnett movies, and anything from Nicholas Sparks.  This is girl porn - the story that we're all princesses waiting to be whisked off our feet by Prince Charming in hopes of living happily ever after.  Any girl who has lived past the age of 21 understands that this is no longer the truth, but we still hold out.  Make us feel special and you're half way to making our dream come true.
• They are an ex for a reason.  I hate hearing about how people are contemplating going back to a past love.  Don't do it!  Obviously it didn't work the first time, so it's not going to work now - stop kidding yourself, stop settling, and get going looking for the right person, not the one who usedtakindasorta worked out.

So, this is the tip of the iceberg on Katie's List of What Men Should Know...  Have anything to add?  I'm all ears!  And if I've offended anyone I have dated, I'm so not sorry.  Your lessons will go on to help hundreds of others, so thanks for being an example, and please don't repeat anything in your next endeavors.