"Rules of Engagement"

In military operations, Rules of Engagement are those policies that determine when, where, and how force shall be used. One such list, supposedly developed by the CIA during the Cold War to be used by spies working in Moscow, is called The Moscow Rules.

Some of the points allegedly a part of the list are:

• Assume nothing.
• Murphy is right.
• Never go against your gut; it is your operational antenna.
• Don't look back - you are never completely alone.
• If it feels wrong, it is wrong.
• Maintain a natural pace.
• Build in opportunity, but use it sparingly.
• Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.
• Don't harass the opposition.
• There is no limit to a human being's ability to rationalize the truth.
• Technology will always let you down.

While Rules of Engagements are generally for war or espionage, a surprising number of them seem to be applicable to the "I-will-marry-you-I-promise" engagements as well, don't you think? ;)