My grandmother always says that she doesn’t give her opinion unless asked. I always laugh when she says that because she loves to offer unsolicited advice, but she simply phrases it in a way that can’t be argued as anything but endearing. Not all people are so smooth in their delivery, but many still have good advice that shouldn’t be ignored. When we hear the same old “cliche” phrases, we all easily dismiss them because we hear them all the time, yet these phrases shouldn’t be ignored. The following phrases became dating cliches for a reason and truly have merit for today’s singles.

1. Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

Anyone who has been married for longer than a few years – especially those that have been married for decades – will provide this advice to singles and new couples about what it takes to have a successful marriage. And it’s true. Loud chewing, leaving socks on the floor, forgetting to take out the trash and so on are not reasons to nag, complain or argue. No one is perfect, and making mountains out of every molehill will only leave you constantly living a life of negativity. Pick your fights is another cliche that fits well here; ask yourself if it’s worth it and try to accept it as a part of your loved one. And don’t forget – they put up with all your little annoying habits, too.

2. When It Rains, It Pours

Sometimes your dating life will feel like you are stranded in the Sahara with no one around for miles, and other times, your dating life will feel like you are swimming in a sea of eligible fish. When you’re swimming, be ready to balance dating multiple people and enjoy the attention while you figure out who is best suited for a long-term commitment. And when your dating life is in the desert again, do what you can to turn your luck around and remember to enjoy this time of being single.

3. There’s A Pot For Every Lid

You are somebody’s type. Very likely, you are lots of people’s type. Blond or brown hair, short or tall, thin or curvy, quiet or loud, career-driven or simple life, urban or suburban … don’t try to change who you are, what you want, your values or your appearance to fit someone else’s ideals. Someone will come around who likes everything about you just the way you are. That said, don’t stop trying to better yourself (or dyeing your hair if you feel like it) if you want to do that, too!

4. Timing Is Everything

Just because your hypothetical timeline says you need to meet your future spouse, have a kid or be in a stable career by a certain date in order to attain all your goals in life doesn’t mean it will happen that way, no matter how hard you force it. In fact, forcing it will likely result in you settling or just getting more frustrated. Things will happen when they’re supposed to. That may be a tough philosophy to accept when your biological clock is ticking so loud you can’t hear anything else, but forcing yourself into something because “it’s time” will get you nowhere in a hurry. It may not be the time you think is right, but when the right person comes along, it will make so much more sense as to why it happened when it did.

5. Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Receiving texts, emails and love letters is amazing, but having the person actually back up their sweet words with actions is even better. Your love life as an adult shouldn’t feel like you’re back in middle school passing notes with little hearts but ignoring each other in the hallway. When someone calls when they say they’re going to call, is present and listening when you’re on a date, and is honest about their feelings and what they can offer a relationship, you’ll know why this cliche exists. That said, if you’re only getting words and that’s not enough, then take action of your own by asking for action in return.

6. You Need To Love Yourself Before Someone Can Love You

This may be saving the best for last (yet another appropriate cliche), but it is likely the most important. If you aren’t happy being in your own skin, then how can you expect someone else to want to be with you? Less is more (I know, I know, so cliche!) which means I don’t need to keep going on this topic.

It may be obnoxious to read a profile that is laden with cliches, but if there’s just one or two sprinkled about, then try to cut them a break because they may really understand the meaning behind the phrase.

You may also be interested in 8 Myths About Dating That Should Be Busted For Good