The followings are 101 stratagems to keep a good boyfriend, developed by girls who have accomplished such a great goal. Even though, these 101 stratagems have been specifically designed for girls or ladies, many can be creatively revised to be used by boys to keep a good girlfriend too. For example, boys can revise stratagem #5 of "Learn how to tie his tie" into "Learn how to comb her hairs". Likewise, stratagem #69 of "Learn the names of your boyfriend's friends" can be revised into "Pretend not knowing the names of your girlfriend's friends", etc.

(01) Be natural.
(02) Be yourself.
(03) Be encouraging.
(04) Exercise together.
(05) Learn how to tie his tie.
(06) Listen to each other's dreams.
(07) Take a day off from work ... together.
(08) When he opens up, listen with your heart.
(09) If you keep a diary, share it with him every now and then.
(10) Don't criticize in public; discuss what bothers you in private.
(11) Write your boyfriend an exquisite heartfelt love letter that is worth framing.
(12) Make a date to meet each other somewhere, and pretend it is the first time you have met.
(13) When you go clothes shopping, buy him something – even if it's a tie or a funky pair of socks.
(14) Do trust.
(15) Don't lie.
(16) Be faithful, always.
(17) Remember nobody's perfect...
(18) Hold hands walking down the street.
(19) Slip a love note in his jacket pocket.
(20) Tell him you think he is the sexiest man alive.
(21) Make a tape of your favorite love songs and give it to him.
(22) Be aware of changes in him, especially obvious external ones like a haircut.
(23) Share your feelings. Communication is the cornerstone of a good, loving relationship.
(24) Never order your boyfriend around. Your boyfriend is your equal, not your servant.
(25) Tell him one important thing you have never told anyone else before.
(26) Learn how to say "I Love You" in several different languages.
(27) Don't say something you might regret five minutes later.
(28) Keep your mouth open when kissing, closed when chewing.
(29) Angry? Count to ten, then give him a hug.
(30) Don't tell his mother everything.
(31) Do tell his mother something.
(32) Respect yourself.
(33) Do compliment.
(34) Don't blame.
(35) Have humor.
(36) When conflict arises, talk until you find a solution that's good for both of you.
(37) In times of trouble, turn to each other first before you approach a friend.
(38) When you aim to hurt, remember you may be hurting yourself even more.
(39) Treat your boyfriend like a king while in the company of family.
(40) Mind and matter are equally important. So respect both, please.
(41) Trust does not come overnight. Build it and it will come.
(42) Go for a sunrise jog together around the neighborhood.
(43) If you have something important to say, be direct.
(44) Don't ignore him when he's speaking to you.
(45) Never treat your boyfriend like a child.
(46) Be supportive in success AND failure.
(47) Good hygiene is very important.
(48) Feed food to each other.
(49) Write him a love poem.
(50) Honor your promises.
(51) Laugh a lot.
(52) Sharing is caring.
(53) Think before you act.
(54) Synchronize your watches.
(55) Make time to be with each other.
(56) Don't interrupt when he is speaking.
(57) Carry a picture of him around in your wallet.
(58) Run your fingers through his hair. Do it again.
(59) Time alone can be a good thing. Time together is even better.
(60) Validate his concerns; offer comfort and a reassuring word or touch.
(61) Instead of confrontation, think of a better way to get your point across.
(62) Call his mom or sister and make the connection. It could pay off in a big way.
(63) If you’re taking a walk together, gather some keepsakes from nature and display them at home.
(64) Seize the moment.
(65) Go food shopping together.
(66) Let you hair down! Literally.
(67) Throw him a surprise birthday party.
(68) Reminisce about the first time you met.
(69) Learn the names of your boyfriend's friends.
(70) Don't put him down. Lift his spirits instead.
(71) Pick a hobby you both like, pursue it together.
(72) Don't make idle threats. Don't threaten, period.
(73) Never act out your jealousy. Try to talk it through instead.
(74) Follow one of his suggestions, and show that you respect his opinion.
(75) Treat him with the same courtesy you did as the first time you met him.
(76) Do what you say you are going to do. Follow through with your commitments.
(77) Don't try to recreate that special moment you remember. Make new memories.
(78) Show your appreciation by wearing or displaying a gift you have received from him.
(79) Help each other when there is something really important to be accomplished.
(80) Don't flirt with other boys. Give your boyfriend your undivided attention.
(81) Do something totally uncharacteristic and unpredictable with or for him.
(82) If he has a health problem, be sensitive and try to help when you can.
(83) Notice the little things he does for you and show your appreciation.
(84) Don't argue in front of family members who don’t live close you.
(85) Kiss him softly and repeatedly on the eyelids.
(86) Feel proud of him you've chosen to be with.
(88) Admit that you are wrong sometimes.
(89) Try to be involved in decisions.
(90) Don't keep secrets from him.
(87) Remember your anniversary.
(98) Don't spy on him.
(91) Be sensitive to his needs.
(92) Don't look through his wallet.
(93) Don't look through private things in general. They are private for a reason.
(94) If you think you're going to be late, call.
(95) Let him know he’s your best friend.
(96) Pay attention to the details.
(97) Come to his defense in public.
(99) Be understanding of occasional mood.
(100) Don't use the past as a weapon.
(101) Ask him to marry you, if failed then ask again.

(2003.10.14)