If a guy wants you, nothing will keep him away from you. Conversely, if he doesn't want you, nothing in the world will make him stay. Stop making excuses for a guy and his behavior. That's a bad sign if you constantly have to defend him and his actions. Stop trying to change yourself for a guy that's not meant to be. Be happy and revel in who you are. Don't live your life for a guy before you find out what makes you truly happy. If a relationship ends because the guy was not treating you properly, then hell no, you can't be friends. A friend wouldn't mistreat a friend. Don't ever settle for mistreatment...physical or psychological. If you feel like he's stringing you along, it's because he is. Don't stay with a guy because you think it will get better, you'll hate yourself for wasting all that time only to find things never improved. The only person you can control in a relationship is yourself. Always remember that actions speak louder than words. Avoid guys who have multiple kids from multiple girls, that speaks volumes for their sense of responsibility and accountability. Don't EVER let him think he is more important than you are...even if he has more education or a better earnings potential. Never let a guy define who you are. Don't ever be with somebody else's guy. Think! If he cheated with you, he'll cheat on you! A guy will only treat you the way you ALLOW him to treat you. All guys are NOT dogs...just the bad ones are. You should not be the one doing all the bending, compromise is a two-way street. You need time to heal between relationships, there is nothing attractive about baggage...deal with your issues before pursuing a new relationship. You should never look for someone to COMPLETE you! A relationship consists of two WHOLE individuals. Look for someone complimentary, not supplementary...not necessity. Dating is fun, even if the guy doesn't turn out to be Mr. Right, it will make you appreciate him more when you find him. Make him miss you sometimes, when a guy always knows where you are and you're always readily available to him...he'll take it for granted. Don't fully commit to a guy who doesn't fully commit to you. Keep him in your radar but your options open...there are plenty of fish in the sea.