Is Your Friend Giving You Honest Dating Advice?

When you need advice about relationships and men, the person you turn to first is most likely one of your close girlfriends. But is your go-to gal helping or hurting your dating life? How do you know if your friend is telling you what you want to hear, or really what you need to hear?

The Honest Truth
First, think about whether your your friend is too nice, too jealous, or too careless to give you the truth about yourself and dating. Unless your friend is going to tell it to you straight, she might inadvertently steer you in the wrong direction.

Sweet as Sugar
If a friend seems a little bit too encouraging or passive, she may not want to ruffle your feathers by telling you something brutally honest. Sure, she's coming off like a sweetheart, but this isn't the time for sweetness. She might be setting you up for an impending relationship failure. So skip the sweet or soft-spoken friend in favor of someone who will tell you if you are being stupid, crazy or making all the wrong moves with a guy.

The Truth Doesn't Need to Hurt That Much
On the other hand, you may have a friend who is going above and beyond being honest. If a friend is too aggressive, negative or cynical, she may be ruining a dating opportunity for you in another way. Perhaps she has been burned in relationships and wants everyone to be too cautious. Maybe she is jealous of you and any dating success you might have with a new guy -  whether she realizes it or not.

If your friend is telling you that every single thing you do is wrong, that everything your guy is doing means he's really not into you or that he is just clearly not right for you, get a second opinion before you make any serious decisions. You don't want to let her negativity make you sabotage or pass up a good thing.

Rushed Opinions
If the friend that you turn to for dating advice is extremely busy with her own life, careless in general or constantly distracted, she may also not give you her honest opinion. This kind of girlfriend often smiles and nods as you try to get her opinion, but you wind up talking in circles until you just answer your own question in the end. Sure, talking yourself through your problems and scenarios can sometimes help you to see the light, but you need at least a little honest feedback from someone who knows you and your habits well.

Step Outside Your Circle
Seek advice from a friend who you know is a nice person, but isn't afraid to be honest. A friend who is a relationship success is also a good person to talk to. Even though she may not be your closest friend, she probably has good advice.

Sometimes Parents Do Know Best
Like it or not, another good person to run to for some great honest dating advice is a parent. They have known you your whole life and are wise with years of experience.

Expert Opinion
If you feel comfortable enough to speak with someone who knows both you and the person you are dating, you could tap into a wealth of knowledge. This person knows you, knows your date and can decipher or contextualize conversations or actions. Just remember that in knowing both of you, however, she may tell your guy what you have said or concerns you have had about him.

Fresh Perspective
If you are seeing someone you've just met, or with whom you share no friends, call up an old friend that lives far away. She will provide a fresh pair of ears and a more unbiased take on your dating woes.

Trust Yourself
In the end, sometimes you and your previous dating experiences serve as the best sources of advice. You know yourself better than anyone. Be honest with yourself while thinking about your new guy -  such an approach can provide clarity in almost any situation.