Relationship tips

It’s fun ripping off your guy about his grubby Stormers jersey. And he can take it – right?

“When teasing or criticism comes from their woman, guys experience it as rejection,” Nelson says. Every time we ridicule something he treasures, it’s like saying “I don’t love you as you are.”

And though he may not react outwardly, his feelings could be hurt. “This is when men tend to withdraw,” Nelson says, “and are more attracted to people who do accept them.”

This doesn’t always mean another woman; he might just start spending more time with his boys. When delivered with sweetness, light teasing is something most couples consider special and cute.

For the not-so-friendly kind, Susan Page, a relationship expert and author of Why Talking Is Not Enough, suggests making a no-teasing pact for 48 hours. It’s an easy way to see how much of the mean stuff you tend to unleash and begin training yourself to stop.