Justin Brown
It’s always exciting to meet someone new.
Your heart flutters, you can’t stop thinking about them and you talk for hours.
But sometimes, we might miss some warning signs because we’re so caught up in the excitement.
So let’s talk about those no-go areas, the things we just can’t ignore.
Here are 10 things that your future partner should never do, even when it’s difficult.
So, stay single until you find someone who doesn’t do these things.
It may take some time, but it will be worth it in the end.
1. They Don’t Respect Your Boundaries
One of the most important things in any relationship is respect, and that includes respecting boundaries.
A person who truly cares for you will understand your need for personal space and won’t try to invade it.
Whether it’s the pace at which you want to take the relationship, your need for alone time, your comfort level with physical affection or even your dietary choices – a good partner will respect your boundaries and not push you to change them.
If someone constantly crosses those lines or doesn’t acknowledge them at all, take that as a big red flag.
So, stay single until you find that person who understands and respects your boundaries because everyone deserves to feel safe and comfortable in their relationship.
2. They Don’t Support Your Dreams and Ambitions
In life, we all have dreams, ambitions, and goals that we want to achieve, and a good partner will be your biggest cheerleader in that journey.
They won’t belittle your aspirations or make you feel like they are unattainable.
Instead, they’ll encourage you, support your efforts and celebrate with you when you reach milestones.
If you find someone who tries to dampen your dreams, makes you doubt yourself or shows no interest in your ambitions, it’s a clear sign they might not be the right one for you.
Stay single until you find someone who will stand by your side, not only in the easy times but also when you’re striving to reach for the stars.
3. They Don’t Listen to You
Active listening is a cornerstone of any healthy relationship.
This means not just hearing the words you’re saying, but really understanding and taking them to heart.
I remember once I was dating someone who would always interrupt me mid-sentence or wouldn’t remember things I had told him.
It wasn’t about forgetting my favorite color or my preference for coffee over tea. It was bigger things like my career goals and personal stories.
It made me feel like he wasn’t genuinely interested in me or what I had to say.
In contrast, the person I’m with now hangs onto every word and always makes sure to follow up on conversations we’ve had. It’s such a simple thing, but it makes a huge difference in making me feel valued and heard.
Hold out for that person who will truly listen to you, absorb your words, and show that they care about what’s going on in your world.
4. They Don’t Make Time For You
Did you know that the average American spends 5 hours per day on leisure activities?
That includes things like watching TV, socializing, and exercising.
Now, consider this: a partner who truly values you will make sure to include you in their leisure time. They won’t always be “too busy” or cancel plans at the last minute.
Instead, they will prioritize spending time with you, showing that they truly value your presence in their life.
If you find yourself constantly waiting for someone to find time for you, it might be time to reconsider.
Stay single until you find someone who willingly carves out time in their schedule to be with you because they understand that relationships need time and effort to grow.
5. They Don’t Show Empathy Towards You
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, and it’s an essential ingredient in a loving relationship.
Imagine those moments when you’re feeling down, dealing with stress or facing a challenge – having someone to share your feelings with, who truly understands and resonates with your emotions can be a huge comfort.
A partner who lacks empathy might dismiss your feelings, ignore your pain or even make you feel guilty for having certain emotions.
This can leave you feeling isolated and misunderstood.
Someone who will hold your hand when you’re down, rejoice in your happiness, and sail through the stormy times alongside you.
Stay single until you find the person who can feel with you, because that’s when you’ll know you’ve found a heart that beats in sync with yours.
6. They Don’t Apologize When They’re Wrong
We all make mistakes and that’s just part of being human.
What really matters is how we handle those mistakes.
I remember dating someone who could never admit when they were wrong.
It was always someone else’s fault or the circumstances to blame, never his own actions or words. This led to a lot of unresolved issues and bitterness in our relationship.
In contrast, my current partner isn’t afraid to say sorry when she’s messed up.
It doesn’t mean she’s weak, but rather that she’s strong enough to acknowledge her faults and work on them.
An apology can go a long way in mending hurt feelings and fostering understanding.
7. They Don’t Treat You as an Equal
If they’re not treating you as an equal, they’re not treating you right.
It doesn’t matter how sweet they are or how much they claim to care about you.
If they make decisions without considering your input, if they dismiss your opinions or if they make you feel less than in any way, that’s not okay.
A relationship is a partnership, not a power play.
Both parties should have an equal say and respect each other’s perspectives.
If you’re with someone who thinks it’s their way or the highway, it’s time to hit the road.
Stay single until you find someone who values your voice, respects your opinion, and treats you as their equal.
Because anything less than that is just selling yourself short.
8. They Don’t Show You Appreciation
Appreciation in a relationship is like the secret ingredient in your favorite dish – it just wouldn’t taste the same without it.
Did you know that feeling appreciated and valued by your partner can lead to a stronger, more satisfying relationship?
It’s not about grand gestures or expensive gifts, but simple acknowledgement and gratitude for the things you do.
If your partner takes you for granted or fails to recognize your efforts, it can lead to resentment and a feeling of being undervalued.
Wait for the person who appreciates you and isn’t afraid to show it.
They’ll not only notice the big things you do but also those tiny acts of love that often go unnoticed.
Stay single until you find someone who knows your worth and reminds you of it every day.
9. They Don’t Make You Feel Loved and Cherished
This one hits close to home for me.
I was once in a relationship where I constantly questioned if I was loved.
My partner would say the words, but their actions didn’t match up.
I felt more like an option rather than a priority.
When I ended that relationship and eventually met my current partner, the difference was night and day.
Now, I never doubt that I am loved and cherished.
There are small gestures, like a quick text during the day just to check in, or bigger ones like planning a special date night just because.
Love isn’t about grand declarations; it’s about consistently showing up for your partner and making them feel valued.
So don’t settle for someone who leaves you questioning their feelings for you.
Stay single until you find someone who makes you feel loved and cherished every single day. You deserve nothing less.
10. They Don’t Inspire You to Be a Better Person
A relationship isn’t just about being happy and comfortable.
It’s also about growth, both personal and as a couple.
The person you’re with should inspire you to be the best version of yourself.
They should challenge you, push you out of your comfort zone, and encourage your personal growth.
If you’re with someone who is content with you stagnating, or worse, brings out qualities in you that you don’t like, it’s time for some serious introspection.
Stay single until you find the person who kindles that fire in you to be better, to do better.
Because a relationship should be a journey of constant growth and discovery.
If you’re currently single and want to be inspired to embrace the journey to self-knowledge, check out my video tomorrow exploring what it’s like to be single when you’re surrounded by so many people in a big city.
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