I AM really hoping you can help me. I feel a bit stupid writing to this column because I am a man of 29and by now my life should be stable.

And it is, in almost every respect except in the relationship area.

I have no problem meeting women and in the beginning everything goes well. We date for a while and then it doesn't work out.

They are always similar types, attractive and very successful. In the beginning I know that I make a good first impression but I find dating a real strain.

As time goes on things go wrong. Sometimes I get bored or I sense that the woman is going to dump me, so I dump her first.

I don't really know what I am doing wrong. - Insecure

WHEN we meet someone we always try to make a good first impression. The problem often is that we tend to behave the way we think the other person wants us to. So it is not the relationship that fails.

The failure happens on the first date when you have attracted someone under false pretenses.

Instead of your relationship starting to grow as you get to know each other, you very quickly start realising that neither of you is who you thought they were.

To attract a woman who you could potentially have a successful relationship with you need to be yourself. This is how you make a true lasting impression.

Don't sabotage a relationship because you think you might be dumped. Give it the best chance you can.

If it doesn't work out it is not the end of the world. It is part of life.

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