Should You Keep Dating Him? Warning Signs of a Bad Relationship

Recently some friends of mine got together and discussed some red flags that should be addressed when dating someone new. Here are some things that should be big red flags waving at you to pay more attention to. Then you can decide if you should stay or if you should cut your losses.

If you are not at the top of his call list when he has news- good or bad. One boyfriend received an offer from a competing company and decided to take it. He did not tell his girlfriend until 4 days later. She was not a priority.

They want a relationship with you but at their terms. For example, do they want you to be available to do things with their family or friends, but when it comes down to your plans with your family or friends, they find excuses as to why they can not attend. This means that your personal relationships do not matter to him. It can happen once or twice if he has a valid reason, but each and every time something comes up- open your eyes !

If he keeps you a secret. If you are only with your boyfriend hanging out of his house or your house, you need to reconsider. You should be out doing stuff- even just going out to dinner every once and a while. Everyone's money is tight, but if it seems that he shuns you and keeps you hidden, you should re-examine the relationship.

A relationship should be give and take. You should not be surrendering everything you want to do, but both individuals should compromise some, where there is an issue that requires a compromise. If you are always the one changing your plans or doing something that you are not thrilled about doing and your partner is not changing anything, something needs to change. Chances are that you are trying to mold yourself to who this persons wants you to be and not being real with yourself and letting that person see the true you.

A big red flag is control. If your boyfriend begins to try to tell you who you can talk to and who you should not have a relationship with, run ! This is a big red flag. If there is a valid reason, such as a friend who you have problems with all the time, and your boyfriend is suggesting that you cut ties- that is one thing. However, when he starts dictating what you can do, who you can talk to, where you can go, you really need to reevaluate your relationship and decide if you want to stay. This is not going to get better or end down the road. If anything, it will get worse.

He lies. If you find out that your boyfriend lied, keep your guard up. If he lied once, he will lie again. I am more troubled by the boyfriends who lie about little things- such as what he ate for lunch- because if he feels the need to say he had a ham sandwich instead of a pizza for lunch, something is up. Odds are he is lying about much more than just what he ate for lunch.

Trust your intuition. This is a very good self-help type of mental tool. Your intuition will give you little thoughts that something is wrong. Keep your eyes open and your ear to the door. If you catch him in lies, you really need to determine if this is a relationship that you deserve.

My golden rule for all women: If a man EVER lays a hand on you, LEAVE as quick as you can. No one should ever violate you in that way. How can you ever feel safe. No matter how much he says he is sorry, this is a pattern that can get worse after time.

Determine your worth, and if necessary, make changes instead of waiting for changes to be made for you.