Long before the days of Steel Magnolias, there were Iron Buttercups. An Iron Buttercup is a woman most often associated with the South, but she does not have to be from the South or have even stepped foot in the South.Nor does she need an accent! She is self possessed, possesses self confidence, and always responds/acts like a lady in public. She understands loyalty, and is willing to give everyone a chance unless they prove her otherwise wrong. She is generally attractive. She may not be movie star drop dead gorgeous, but has learned to make the most of what she has. This is a lady with her own mind. She may or may not always speak it, but make no mistake, this woman is no pushover and everyone knows it. Men like her because she sets boundaries from the beginning, and an Iron Buttercup knows men don’t go for doormats. (Neither does she) When a man captures an Iron Buttercups heart, he knows he has something valuable. Such a woman is a challenge, making it all the more appealing to him. While Iron Buttercups are often found in the South they can live anywhere, and they can be from anywhere. They’re found throughout all walks of life/social stratas and in all cultures. Long ago, they were originally born and bred in the South which is why so many of them remain today.
Iron Buttercups are seldom found in abusive relationships or for that matter bad relationships with men, at least for very long. An Iron Buttercup may be divorced, separated, or she may have at one time been in a relationship with a man who was an alcoholic, cheat or abuser, but that’s the past, and she will not repeat history a second time. An IB can be a bitch, but only if deserved. A woman can become an Iron Buttercup at any point in her life.
Here are the Top 11 relationship tips from the Iron Buttercup Guide to Happiness with Men which has been handed down to women for generations.
1-Never chase a man-Men are the natural born hunters so the chase comes naturally to them. To chase a man defies the laws of Buttercup nature. An Iron Buttercup knows the only relationships worth pursuing are with men who are interested in her. (This does not mean a woman can never take the lead) A wise old Iron Buttercup said, "Men are hunters, women are gatherers: let the man hunt you!! Gather the benefits".
2-Never call, text, Facebook, or email a man incessantly. One text perhaps, one call until he returns communication. And only if you have reason to believe he is interested in you. Preferably, he contacts you. Many Iron Buttercups NEVER call a man unless returning a call.
3-If he doesn’t return the communicationback off. Don’t continue to try and communicate with a man who is clearly not interested. If he is interested, he will call back, even if there is a delay. Remember this most of all.
4-If you have been dating someone who suddenly disappears, shows a lack of interest or starts dating someone else, back off. Hold your head high, stifle the instinct to cry and go into an emotional spin and get on with your life instead! The next and better man is just around the corner! This is your mantra, use it generously. And Never, never, never, put your life on hold to wait for a man to come back around!
5-Drop him like a hot potato if he abuses alcohol or drugs on a regular basis-it will only get worse. If he abuses you physically or emotionally, mistreats you, is a sex addict, makes fun of you, or treats you in a condescending manner. If he lies to you, wants money, or you find him active on a dating site after establishing an intimate relationship, drop him. Look up the words narcissist, addiction, and psychotic and Understand what they mean.
6-Drop him like a hot potato if he mistreats your children, parents,family or pets.
7-Every man you meet is not your soul mate. Every man you are interested in will not become your husband/boyfriend. You have to kiss a lot of frogs to meet a prince. Meeting your next husband or soul mate is not an everyday occurrence, and not every relationship will work out. Learn the art of moving ongracefully instead of holding on. No one said it was easy, but it is necessary if you want to find the right man and insure your own happiness.
8-Never give up your own interests. Don’t put your life/interests on hold for a man. Don’t give up your interests in the pursuit of him/his interests. An Iron Buttercup knows a woman with her own interests is an attractive one who has something to talk about.
9-If you choose to date a married or otherwise committed man, understand you roll the dice, you take your chances. This is a risky situation at best, likely to end in a train wreck. If it does not work out move on, and do not be bitter. Understand that married men seeking other women often lie or change their minds. Naivete is not attractive if you are over 25. Some men lie-frequently.
10-You are not in a committed relationship unless you have a ring on your finger, or made and received a verbal commitment as such and both parties agree. If you are not committed, you are free, and so is he. No IB lives as a committed woman, if she is not. In other words, if you are not committed don't tie yourself down to a man who doesn't want committment. If you are committed and he is not, you are not committed.
11-The Golden Buttercup Rule-You must love yourself first. You must protect yourself and not put yourself in bad situations. If you are in a bad situation that causes unhappiness, get out of it now! Never wait for him to 'change.'