I want to point out a few things I picked up along the way. This reads best in regards to LTRs.

SET GROUND RULES AND STICK TO THEM

Women are emotional beings. When it's you the one causing that rush in her body, she'll adapt to whatever you ask because logic and rationality mean nothing to her. She adores that rush and she'll do anything for the one causing it. This is the perfect time to establish boundaries, the do's and dont's. That's the easy part. Trouble is, sticking to your guns further down the path. As the relationship matures, the lines get blurred. Most men start giving into BP reasoning at this point - "Oh she's done so much for me, I might as well let this one slide","She changed her approach to this and this because of me, I might as well change myself for her". But the more you start letting slide in the name of harmony, the more you endanger your integrity, the weaker your game gets, and before you know it, the rush in her body is gone. She had it BECAUSE of the uncertainity you caused, she had it because YOU were the prize and YOU were the one holding the reins. As soon as they are passed on to her, she won't know what to do with them and then you are on thin ice. Never ever make exceptions for what you previously established, even if it's a make or break situation. For illustration, the law doesn't bend no matter how fragile you are or how much you cry infront of a judge. It is to be respected at all times.

YOU ARE THE MAIN ACTOR, SHE'S PLAYING IN YOUR MOVIE

Do NOT abandon yourself for the sake of security and the fear of being hurt or alone. Keep up with yourself and your goals and ambitions, and keep working hard towards them. Don't start skipping trainings because she wants more time together. Don't save all of your earnings to keep her entertained and in constant motion. YOU feel like traveling? She's welcome to join. You feel like eating an expensive dinner? By all means, take her. This doesn't mean you should become all push and no pull. Keep her on her toes, provide within your means, but do NOT sacrifice your own wellbeing for hers. Always maintain a golden ratio of giving in respect to receiving. Be ready to walk away if your needs are not met.

KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN

A healthy dose of jealousy never hurt anyone. Much of what BP men consider inappropriate to do in an LTR, is just a manifestation of the conditioning imposed on them by society and enforced by their SOs. She'll complain. She'll talk shit. She'll poke you and try to subdue and tame you. Caving under pressure displays weakness. Know your value. Talk to other women. Be natural and be yourself. No need to be all top secret about it, or apologize when confronted. It is known that women will always orbit a high value man and I see absolutely no need to be defensive about it. Its up to her to step up her game and keep herself in check in order to keep the advantage she has over others.

If one abandons these principles, and lets the sunk cost fallacy to drive their decisions, it is IMO a ticket to the depths of BP.

Your breakup hurts? You relied on her for your happiness and wellbeing.

Your plans for the future went to shit? Because she was in the center of them.

She was the one and there's no one quite like her? Guess who was living in a bubble of their own making.

If you dont eat the lion, its not a guarantee the lion will not eat you. Always be prepared and act accordingly. Keep your frame strong, your game viable and your priorities straight.

Edit: Since there’s some people commenting on the break up hurts part, please take time to check out my take on elaborating on it, somewhere in the comment section.