There is nothing worse than thinking you have found the perfect partner and then you find out they have a huge deal breaker trait you just cannot ignore. After speaking to a variety of both high school and college students in relationships and some not in relationships, I have put together a list of the most common deal breakers to look out for when entering a new relationship that you are thinking about making a serious one.

1. Selfish personality

No one likes someone who only thinks about themselves in a relationship. It's not healthy for you or even for your partner.

2. Untrustworthy

It's hard to continue to be in a relationship when your partner continuously tells lies or does not tell you certain things about them. This causes anxiety and trust issues which are two red flags for a bad partnership.

3. Racist or bigoted

As a person who supports everyone regardless of sexual orientation, race, or religious beliefs, I would not be comfortable dating someone who stood against everything I believed in.

4. Lack of good hygiene

No one wants to cuddle someone who smells like the last thing they ate or the last gym class they went to.

5. Anger issues

It's okay to be upset towards your partner, but when it gets verbally or physically violent, it's time to walk away safely.

6. Different life stages

Sometimes the person you're dating just isn't on the same wavelength as you. Meaning, if you are at different life stages, you both have different things that you are prioritizing. That's okay, it just means that probably it's not the best time to be together.

7. Different future paths

Say you are dating someone, but your future goals just are not lining up. You see no compromise or overlapping plans that could make the relationship work. You should not feel like you have to change your future goal to fit someone else's life.

8. Bad communication skills

Communication is key in every relationship and if there is none, unfortunately, that is how a relationship could potentially fall apart.

9. Lack of ability to work together

If one partner is putting much more effort into the relationship than the other, maybe the relationship wasn't meant to be. That does not mean things couldn't change, but it just seems like right now isn't going to work out.

10. Ignores my interests

Your interests are important, they are a part of what makes you who you are. If your partner doesn't show appreciation towards your interests or tries to make you stay away from them, then they might not be the best partner for you.

I am no expert when it comes down to what makes a relationship healthy or not. But it is important to take pride in yourself and know what kind of relationship you want with someone. If these aren't necessarily your dealbreakers, know what yours are and make sure you are getting the relationship you need to be strong and happy together.