If a guy likes you, he’ll put up with a lot. He’ll say he doesn’t mind things that he really can’t stand. Why? Because he’s with you, that’s why! That said, once a relationship begins to settle down, you may begin to notice he isn’t as interested in, or tolerant of, certain things as he once was. That’s because he really wasn’t interested all along! Here are 7 things guys will tolerate – or do – only because they really, really like you.

Chit chat about everything that happened that day

You may have heard men are simple creatures, even dunces, but we’re cunning masters when it comes to making you believe we’re listening to you. In the beginning, we’ll hang on your every word, seriously! But as time goes on, even the most kind-hearted fella will start to zone out. Tricks to avoid this one: don’t go into heavy subjects while he’s reading, watching TV or relaxing. Don’t start with “I had a miserable day” every day and expect us to tune in to find out what happened this time.

Crying once a week…or MORE

Are you addicted to crying? Do you just love getting your guy in a corner and unleashing your sorrow on him? Is he the ear you can always count on? Well I’ve got news for you – he’ll be very intent on helping you through for a while, but if you keep it up, he’s going to start wondering what the heck is going on. Eventually he’ll take you for an emotional wreck and leave you. Tricks to avoid: cry to a friend over the phone. Get it all out and THEN talk to him about it.

Shopping at the mall

Of course you knew this already…but women will drag a guy into clothing stores anyway! In the early days and weeks of a relationship he’ll be more than happy to do this. But, unless he’s as serious about shopping as you are, his interest in it is going to fade away—fast. My suggestion: go with friends, not him. He’ll wonder what you’re doing and why you’re not hanging out with him, putting you in a position of power, which is right where you want to be.

Wierd dieting methods

We’ll profess to find your new diet fascinating, and even decide we want to do it, too! But if you’re bouncing around from Paleo to South Beach to Atkins we’re going to lose our minds. Guys you’ve been living with for a while will show extreme resistance unless their doctor tells them they’re going to die if they keep eating the way they are. In any case, find one diet, stick to it, and you may be able to keep a guy from going nuts.

A spiritual awakening

He’ll accept your decision to search the spiritual world for who you are and what the meaning of life is. He’ll even push you to make those life changes you want so much. But if you’re in a long-term relationship and you suddenly start going to incense-drenched yoga classes three days a week, don’t expect us to be too excited to join you.

Dinners out with your family

He’ll be happy to hang out with your parents and family if it means scoring points with you. But once he realizes it’s an obligation and not a point-scoring mission, he’ll be much less interested in joining you for the affair. My tip: be super nice to him, tell him how awesome he is for going, and give him great sex afterward. He’ll get so used to the attention you give him on those nights he’ll be more than happy to keep going.

Your taste in music

He’s going to tell you he loves One Direction and can’t get enough of Taylor Swift, but as soon as the relationship transitions into cruise control, he’d much rather be listening to Tool or Stone Temple Pilots. Tip: iPods and a pair of headphones is all you need!

Final Thoughts

I want to say this is partly our fault as men. We’re so happy to hang out with a girl we like initially and we’ll do just about anything to make her happy. It’s not lying so much as it is sidelining our annoyances until things settle down and we realize you’re not going anywhere! If you want to make sure this doesn’t happen, keep him on his toes in the relationship, keep him guessing about whether or not you’re sticking around for good, and reward him when he does something you want. Simple!