How to lose a guy in 10 days, the 2025 way

The year was 2003 when Andie Anderson’s covert mission to unravel the nitty-gritty of dating was brought to light. I was 11, but I understood the assignment—to uncover the apparently needy, desperate, and overbearing things women do that tend to drive men away. A stark contrast to SRK’s ‘6 din, ladki in’ concept (both a little sexist and playing into the rom-com trope). Calling too much, nagging, making future plans too soon—subconsciously, I took note of it all. 

Twenty-two years later, and now part of the dating pool, I unintentionally did the opposite of what Andie reported. The list of don’ts was clear: no getting too attached or overly friendly too soon, no calling too much, no nagging them about not calling enough, no getting too emotional. Over time, I worked on myself and my dating goals, inadvertently hoping I didn’t lose the guy in 10 days (well, in theory). After all, who doesn’t love a confident, secure, and communicative person, right? To my surprise, self-awareness isn’t all that appreciated either. A few years on and off the apps, multiple talking stages, and a couple of dates later, here’s me telling you ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’, 2025 edition.

P.S. Unlike Andie’s slightly misogynistic and sexist approach, my theory encompasses all genders!

Being transparent about your relationship goals

Who needs to be on the same page? If you want the relationship to bloom, simply go with the flow, bro! While some people are pretty clear from the very start of the conversation, others tend to jolt out, Road Runner-style, the moment the topic is brought up.

And no, “looking for short, open to long-term” isn’t a dating goal—it’s a confused state of mind.

Setting boundaries

 

This means calling out their behaviour when they’ve done something wrong or disrespectful. It could be as simple as putting a full stop to a conversation or action that made you uncomfortable or was in bad taste. They’ll probably call you dramatic, blame your attitude or even worse, blame your attachment style before zombie-ing you (sorry, this one’s personal). 

Wanting consistency

Getting multiple texts one week, small talk the next, and then random calls the week after? Asking for consistency in your conversations will surely drive them up the wall and send them running the other way—because how can you be so demanding and clingy? 

Asking for clear communication

They say communication is key—or so you’d think! Asking questions, communicating how you feel, and expressing exactly what’s on your mind seems to be off-putting. Keeping them guessing means keeping the mystery alive, wink . So much for being honest, eh?

Responding immediately

How dare you be a mature adult and not play ‘hard to get’? Responding immediately apparently makes you seem desperate and available—and nobody wants that, do they?

Be non-toxic 

Didn’t you read the memo? You being secure, non-manipulative, and non-toxic can come across as boring or too self-involved. Layer on the toxicity if you want them hooked.

Fret not, ladies and gentlemen. Just as Ben stuck through Andie’s emotional roller-coaster ride, the right partner will stick around (and appreciate) this version of you, too. Till then, hold on tight and laugh as you rub the wrong ones off the right way.

 

Lead image credit: IMDb 

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