Everyone is susceptible to believing the occasional lie or two, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. However, believing in the wrong things can sometimes cause you to prematurely end a potentially good relationship or even prevent one from taking place. Below, you’ll find several myths men should ignore when it comes to Mrs. Right.

All Women Change After Marriage

Gentlemen, this isn’t true. Whether you believe women get worse after marriage or are supposed to get better, rest assured that what you see may be what you get. While some women – and men – go through changes after the wedding, this isn’t to say that all changes are drastic or will work in your favor. As a general rule, people don’t usually alter their personalities and habits after marriage. Sometimes the “big change” you see is nothing more than the actual person as they’ve always been, but without the rose-colored glasses.

Women of Different Races & Cultures Will Treat You a Certain Way

I’m sure you’ve heard that Hispanic women are passionate and aggressive or that Black women have attitudes and won’t put up with the slightest infraction. Or perhaps you’ve heard that Caucasian and Asian women treat their men better because they are more submissive. Well, there’s no denying that some groups may have different beliefs about dating and marriage based on their culture. But the previously mentioned examples are nothing more than stereotypes. Anyone can be passionate, submissive, or have an attitude. Try not to put women in such small boxes with narrow categories. You could find yourself greatly misjudging someone.

A Happy Wife Makes a Happy Life

No. Just…no. This myth may sound good in theory, but logically, it fails. What good is it to do everything to please your spouse and keep the peace when you’re miserable? This is especially troubling if you happen to be with a woman who knows how to take advantage of your kindness. It’s awesome to want to take care of your lady, and you should! Just be sure she returns the favor in kind.

All Women Are Alike

This myth gets tossed around a lot. The fact is, women want and like different things. They have varying belief systems and come from diverse backgrounds. Some ladies grow up desiring a traditional life as a wife and mother, while others can’t think of a life better than one centered around a career. Women can shy, outspoken, emotional, prudish, adventurous, sexual, reflective, etc. It isn’t fair to say all women are the same; that mentality suggests that everyone should be treated the same, regardless of individuality.

You Can’t Turn a Loose Woman Into a Housewife

This myth has merit when taken at face value. You can’t change anyone but yourself. However, everyone has a past. If a woman had had many sexual partners before she decided to settle down with you, that doesn’t mean she can’t be faithful. The past doesn’t have to dictate what happens in the future.

These are just a few common myths that men often fall victim to. If you want to have a successful, meaningful dating life or marriage, consider the individual and ignore the rest.

_{Originally published in Rebel Lifestyle Magazine – Print Edition}