Ever been in a bad relationship that changed your mindset on relationships for good?

I'm just going to start off with this... RELATIONSHIPS ARE CRAZY.

My past relationships have taught me what NOT to do.

I have been through a relationship of four years that taught me more in life then I would learn in class at school. A four year relationship that resulted in being cheated on taught me to not trust somebody who gives you impressions they can't be trusted. What I've learned at a young age, may help those going through the same thing.

Cheating

When was cheating ever okay? Cheating will never leave my thoughts. When a person cheats on somebody, they are only thinking of themselves. If you are not happy in a relationship then leave the relationship rather then hurting the person you thought you "loved". It makes you feel insecure and that you failed at the relationship you're in. "It's my fault he/she did this to me." Every bit of trust that was ever formed in the relationship, seems to just disappear in a matter of a few seconds.

Every "I love you" Isn't Real

As harsh as this sounds, it is so true. Some people develop feelings a lot faster then others do. When saying I love you, make sure that you mean it. Telling somebody you love them may increase their feelings or even push them away. In younger relationships, people tend to say "I love you" before they've been together for even a month. I feel that saying I love you means that you are IN LOVE with them. Love is strong and should not be just thrown around.

Being Controlled Is Never Okay

A person was born with two parents, not three. Being controlling is actually a form of abuse. It's okay to disagree with some actions and discuss them with your significant other, but telling them they can and can't do something is not okay. We all do this. It's not just one person against another. A relationship should be connected through balance of each other, 50-50. If your significant other tells you that you can't go out, or have friends... then you should not be with them. You do have a life other than your relationship and you should be able to continue your life the same way you did before that person entered your life.

They Will Leave Even When They Said They Wouldn't

Unfortunately, I had to learn this the hard way. Fighting with somebody constantly does not keep them around. I'm not saying don't believe every word that your significant other says, but people do eventually leave if things don't work out.

Materialistic

People use each other. It's sad, but they do. Many guys are willing to spend money on their girlfriend and vice-versa, and sometimes it really isn't necessary. Going shopping together could be scary because how many girls walk into Victoria Secret and say they want something, look at the price tag, and put it back on the rack? Then your boyfriend picks it up because they know you want it. The problem in our world today is that we expect our significant others to buy us things all of the time. We both have jobs, we both make money. Why rely on somebody to buy you things? Don't depend on your significant other to buy you everything. If they want to buy you something, they will without any questions or you telling them too.

Old Relationships In Your New

I am a huge victim of this - I let my first relationship destroy my second. I am 100% not blaming myself for why I was broken up with, but bringing your past into the present and the future is not healthy. I led myself into being upset every single day in my new relationship because I was worried about getting cheated on again. This is not okay. Each person you date will be different and may have some similarities, but that still does not mean you should treat them like your ex treated you. That relationship ended for a reason. And your next will end shortly if you bring your old into your new.

Relationships are hard to face. Relationships face problems everyday and sometimes people disagree. My past relationships have taught me what to do and what not to do in my upcoming relationships in my life. Being in bad relationships may leave a bad lasting impression on a person's life. Life is full of mistakes and so are relationships.