8 Things to Do Before Starting a New Relationship

Here are some tried-and-true pre-dating rules to follow.

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First Comes Love - Let’s take a look at a few important qualities every woman should possess before jumping into a new relationship. Many times we make the mistake of believing “the one” will make us happy, complete and whole. In actuality, it all starts with you. By Dontaira Terrell   (Photo: Fuse/Getty Images)

Unfinished Business - When moving forward, all feelings from your last relationship should be resolved because the next shouldn’t have to pay for your ex. Harboring feelings from the past is extremely detrimental when trying to cultivate a new partnership. (Photo: David Malan/Getty Images)

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Unfinished Business - When moving forward, all feelings from your last relationship should be resolved because the next shouldn’t have to pay for your ex. Harboring feelings from the past is extremely detrimental when trying to cultivate a new partnership. (Photo: David Malan/Getty Images)

Self-Worth - You are worthy of all of the elements it takes to establish a meaningful, long lasting and healthy relationship. Holding yourself with high regard, having pride and possessing a strong sense of self-worth means you won’t settle for less.  (Photo: Zave Smith/Getty Images)

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Self-Worth - You are worthy of all of the elements it takes to establish a meaningful, long lasting and healthy relationship. Holding yourself with high regard, having pride and possessing a strong sense of self-worth means you won’t settle for less.  (Photo: Zave Smith/Getty Images)

Being Alone - Before inviting someone else into your personal space you must first have the ability to enjoy your own company and be comfortable while doing so. Being alone is one of the toughest things to do, but it is also one of the most rewarding and healthy experiences. (Photo: PBNJ Productions/Getty Images)

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Being Alone - Before inviting someone else into your personal space you must first have the ability to enjoy your own company and be comfortable while doing so. Being alone is one of the toughest things to do, but it is also one of the most rewarding and healthy experiences. (Photo: PBNJ Productions/Getty Images)

Create a To-Do List - Do it the old fashioned way! Make yourself a daily to-do list including both big and small tasks that need to be completed. This allows you to feel a growing sense of achievement as you’re able to visually monitor the progress of your projects. (Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images)

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Goal Digger - Establishing your own set of goals is critical in maintaining your unique identity. A lot of times when we enter into a new relationship our dreams and ambitions can get lost because we’re so engulfed with something new. Luckily, with the right mate in your corner, he’ll be supportive and help you stay on track in achieving personal goals.  (Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images)

Photo By Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images

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Financial Independence - Gaining a sense of financial freedom is essential because it allows you to gain a better understanding of money management. It is also beneficial to your sense of personal security, well-being and peace of mind.  (Photo: Tom Merton/Getty Images)

Soak Up the Summer - It's already August, but summer isn't quite over yet! Use these last few weeks to soak up all the season has to offer. And we've got a few hot items to check off your bucket list here, so click on. By Jazmine A. Ortiz (Photo: Sonja Pacho/Corbis)

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Friendship Circle - It’s always important to establish and maintain a relationship with your girls! Your friendship circle helps sustain you in more ways than one and vice versa. True friends understand and accept the real you and will be there during the major highs and super lows.   (Photo: Sonja Pacho/Corbis)

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Know What You Want - Having a general idea of what you look for in a mate is crucial. It helps you weed out the good from the bad as well as helps you to better align yourself with the perfect partner. (Photo: Randy Faris/Corbis)

Photo By Photo: Randy Faris/Corbis

Have an Open Mind - Be willing to step outside your comfort zone because setting expectations sometimes lead to major disappointments. Besides you never know, what you thought you didn’t want may actually be the very thing you need! (Photo: Benjamin A. Peterson/Mother Image/mother image/Corbis)

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Have an Open Mind - Be willing to step outside your comfort zone because setting expectations sometimes lead to major disappointments. Besides you never know, what you thought you didn’t want may actually be the very thing you need! (Photo: Benjamin A. Peterson/Mother Image/mother image/Corbis)