So how do you go about making a man fall in love with you for life? Can it even be done, or does it only happen in the movies? Is there someone you have your eye on, who might, just might, be your true love, but you're too afraid to find out? If so, you're not alone. Most women will have felt the same way at some stage. But the good news is that you can do something about it. Use the following tips to making a man fall in love with you - for life.

1. FRIENDSHIP - in some ways it sounds counter-intuitive, especially if you've bought into the romantic notion of an all-consuming passion. But the truth is, no long-lasting love relationship was ever forged without friendship. So to begin with, get to know your man as a friend. Treat him as you would treat any of your friends, male or female. That means courtesy, mutual respect, listening, showing empathy, and just being there.

2. SHOW SOME INTEREST - one guaranteed way to make a man run screaming for cover is to give the impression that you're only interested in him as a marriage prospect. So, following on from the first point, show some interest in him as a human being. What does he like? What does he dislike? What does he enjoy? What does he dream about? Ask yourself - if someone quizzed me about my partner, would I score 100%? Because that should be your aim if you're serious about making a man fall in love with you for life.

3. SHOW SOME RESPECT - although you're aiming for a partnership, you must also recognize that a relationship involves two individuals. So respect his individuality, and give him the space and time to do his own thing. This sends out a subtle signal that you love him and trust him enough to give him that freedom, inviting the same love and trust in return.

4. RESPECT YOURSELF - time to talk about sex. It's possible that you'll meet someone you could fall into bed with right there and then. Don't - unless you want your relationship to remain at a purely physical level. By holding back on intimacy, you're giving yourself time to develop the emotional bond that will long outlast the physical attraction. Also, you're creating a bit of mystery, which is powerfully attractive in itself.

5. UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE - in the first flush of a relationship, it can be difficult to see your man as a human being, with faults just like the rest of us. Not only is this boring for those around you, it can lead to disillusionment later on down the line. So be aware of your man's shortcomings, and let him know that you love him anyway. Living can be a lonely business, so finding someone who accepts us for who we are, absolutely unconditionally, is a rare and precious thing.

These tips are like the ingredients of a recipe. Get them right, and you'll be well on the way to making a man fall in love with you for life.