Have you ever struck up a conversation with a woman only to have it last all of twenty seconds before she makes up a quick excuse to get away? If you answered yes, then you may have said one or two of these things. Whether you mean to or not, saying some of these things that you probably think nothing of irritates some women to no end.

If you value an intelligent, meaningful conversation with a woman, here are some things you'll probably want to avoid saying if you actually want to carry on said conversation. Who knows, you may actually find a girl that's not crazy.

1. You’re so cute.
One of my personal pet peeves, as I’m sure it is for many other women out there. While it’s a nice sentiment, the adjective “cute” does not accurately sum up a woman. To me, that’s a word you use to describe a cute animal, a baby, a cute dress, or pair of shoes, not a woman. I’m much more inclined to feel flattered when told I’m intelligent, beautiful, kind or anything that shows more respect and acknowledgment for what a woman actually is.

2. Smile. You’d be so much prettier if you did.
First of all, no. Secondly, staring is impolite. Thirdly, just no. This is something strangers have said to me me several times in various situations. It never fails to creep me out. With that kind of connotation, you’re not going to get a smile from anyone, especially if they’re having a bad day.

3. That’s a man’s job.
The h#$* it is!! A woman’s place is no longer solely in the kitchen, at home with the kids, or doing whatever else men think we should be doing, like making them sandwiches. Women are capable of doing anything men are, chances are they’ll work twice as hard at it, too.

4. That time of the month, huh?
Even if I was, that would be none of your business. Contrary to popular belief, not all women turn into hormonal crazy people during “that time of the month.” Some of us are actually capable of functioning normally and would appreciate it if you didn’t immediately dismiss a sassy comeback to your idiotic remark as a completely normal hormonal fluctuation.

5. You don’t understand.
Pretty sure I might if you actually explained it because not sure if you realized or not, but I do have a brain and I am capable of some feelings. Better yet, I may have personal experience with whatever it is I “don’t understand.” Contrary to popular belief, there’s a lot that goes on in most women’s minds.

6. She was asking for it.
No, she wasn’t. Nobody asks for any kind of harassment or assault that may be falsely justified by this poor excuse of a defense. How a woman dresses, the way she dances, or how she talks does not mean she was asking for any kind of negative attention. Regardless of behavior, wardrobe style, the amount of makeup worn, or whatever else guys use to stereotype "that kind of girl," she still deserves respect.

7. You’d be prettier if you lost weight.
All women are beautiful the way they are. End of story. If you say this to someone, you should probably re-evaluate how you go about talking to people in general. We should accept everyone for who they are without trying to change them. Each and every person on this earth is beautiful and unique. You can take it or leave it, the loss is all yours, bud.

8. Girls can’t do that.
I’d bet your bottom dollar they could if you gave them a chance. How many times do we have to have this conversation before the meaning really sinks in? Example A: I recently got a job cleaning pools. To most people, that’s “men’s work.” However, the woman who trained me is one of the most intelligent people I’ve met. Besides that, she is one of the top pool techs with our company and the first girl they hired. So, contrary to what you think, yes, girls can in fact do that.

9. Why are you single?
Because I don’t need a man to make me happy. Because I’m focusing on what I want in my life. Because I just don’t want the hassle of a relationship. Because I haven’t met the right person yet. Because I'm independent. Because I don't need constant companionship. There are a thousand things you could say that would all be valid. A woman does not have to have a boyfriend every waking moment of her life and there’s nothing wrong with her if she doesn’t.

10. All women are crazy.
This is the most inaccurate statement of all time and one I despise hearing from practically every guy I run into. While I tend to run with it when I hear it, I know in my heart it's one of those blanket statements we just shouldn't make. I’m not saying there aren’t crazy women out there, I know there are. But not all of us are emotionally unstable, game-playing, psycho stalker, clingy, overly-emotional people. The vast majority of us are actually sane, normally functioning people. Don’t make the mistake of throwing all of us into the same category and calling it quits. You’ll probably meet someone who will surprise you.