MEN have a certain knack for getting all up in your business; Jamaican men, especially, seem particularly invested in their women’s past — the who, the what, at what age, and the how many. But even they will tell you that sometimes you have to beware of too much honesty, and these are the instances in which they advise that you put a padlock on your mouth.

Alex, 25, electrician:

Don’t describe in detail how much better your ex was, whether that’s in bed, as a provider, as a father, or whatever. Even if he was good at Bible study, don’t say it. No man wants to be the object of your comparisons.

Neville, 50, IT manager:

If your ex cheated or treated you badly, if you reacted in a toxic way to being cheated on, if you have any kind of insecurity that affects how you think I’d view you, if you have skeletons in your closet, it’s best to keep them there. Trust me, you’ll lose some of your shine, even if the man acts like he cares about your gnarly past.

Narvaldo, 45, policeman:

Keep your family secrets to yourself; the man will never respect you for sharing. That pedo uncle? Grandpa went to prison? Brother is a scammer? Share as little details as possible, because if your bloodline is cursed, he will rethink a serious future with you.

Jerome, 23, farmer:

If you’re a cheater, liar, fornicator, backslider, adulterer ­— even if these things happen with me, keep it between you and God. What I don’t know won’t hurt me.

Franno, 47, teacher:

Any bodily functions is TMI for me. I know some people share everything, but I don’t need details of day one to three of Aunt Flo, your ingrown hairs, or how many cavities you have. Let me revel in my ignorance and keep the cute vision I have of you intact.