7 Things Grown-Ass Women Need to Stop Doing in the Dating Game

Ladies, if you're a strong and independent woman, you need to make sure your actions reflect that. That means no more childish antics when it comes to dating. Remember that grown women don't need to prove themselves to anyone, and they definitely don't need anyone other than themselves to be happy. Stop making the same dating mistakes that make you feel bad about yourself in the end. It's time to quit those habits once and for all.

Rule number one in life: don't do anything your sober self will regret. Drunk texting might seem harmless, but you'll either end up reopening that door you just closed or saying things you didn't want to. Either way, you don't want to give the recipient the wrong idea. Having to deal with damage control hungover is also never fun. Give your phone to a trusted friend for the night or block their messages so you're not itching to reply.

Tempting but toxic. The fact that they're always available makes them appealing, but you'll only kick yourself afterward for giving in. Exes who are jerks are especially worse because they'll never let you forget the last time you got with them, and they'll assume that booty calls are now acceptable. Don't allow your exes to be options unless you're looking to rekindle things.

You're not in high school anymore, so enough with the games. It's immature for a grown women to intentionally post pictures of themselves with other people to give their crush the wrong idea. If someone really wanted to be with you, they would be. Misleading posts on social media aren't going to suddenly make them realize they're ready to get serious. Your act might just backfire, actually.

Did we have sex last night? is not the most ideal thought to wake up to. Once you feel like you have a good idea of what kind of person they are, then by all means. But when their intentions are still unclear and you don't even know if you want to sleep with them, you may want to slow down on the drinks. There's nothing wrong with a one-night stand with someone you just met. Just make sure you don't do anything that will make you feel badly about yourself in the morning.

Don't allow yourself to get upset over the little things. If they didn't call you back last night, let it go. Saw their ex at the same bar? Get over it. Unless they're actually showing signs of disrespect or you feel like you're not being valued, it's not worth getting worked up over such silly things. Showing that you have bigger things to worry about proves you're confident and secure with yourself.

Loneliness is never a valid excuse to have sex with someone. If you're going to do it, do it on your terms — not just because you want someone to make you feel special. It's only a short-term fix and you might even feel worse afterward. Anytime you're feeling unloved or insecure, look within yourself to resolve those issues instead of relying on someone else.

If you want to talk to them, call them yourself! If they care about you, they'll love knowing that you were just thinking about them. Disobey any "rules" and go after what you want. Initiating conversation shows that you're not afraid to show interest.