Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
USA TODAY

Is it a deal breaker? Most common relationship-ending conflicts.

Sara Kuburic, USA TODAY
3 min read

There is no such thing as a perfect relationship. In the process of getting to know someone or building a relationship, we are bound to hit a few speed bumps.

Speed bumps may emerge through misunderstandings, disagreements or problems that can be solved with communication, effort and compromise. An example of a speed bump is misunderstanding love languages or adjusting expectations. What gets us in trouble is when we confuse deal breakers and speed bumps. Instead of making a U-turn once we hit a dead end, we keep going full speed ahead – and inevitably crash.

Before getting into a relationship, it’s helpful to be able to identify your deal breakers. In other words, how will you determine if and when it’s time to walk away? What traits, actions, beliefs, needs or expectations will signal that this is not the right person for you? If you get into a relationship without knowing your deal breakers, there is a higher chance you will tolerate more than you should.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Everyone’s deal breakers will be different, but here are some common ones. Though deal breakers for casual dating may be a bit different, here are some of the most typical relationship deal breakers.

They have an opposing worldview: For many individuals, disagreement over politics or religion can be automatic deal breakers. It's not easy to build a life with someone who has opposing views on topics that often reflect values and strong opinions. Differences in worldviews should not be taken lightly; worldviews dictate the role we play in society and who we are.

Vaccine breakups: Is it fair to cut someone out of your life for not getting the shot?

They exhibit patterns of dishonesty: Everyone lies once in a while, but a pattern of dishonesty is a deal breaker for many people. It's impossible to establish a healthy relationship without trust. Dishonesty has the power to eliminate emotional, physical or financial security in a relationship (depending on what they lie about).

Advertisement
Advertisement

They violate your boundaries: The violation of our boundaries can also be a deal breaker. If we have not clearly set our boundaries, getting angry at someone for crossing them us unfair. But, if we have set clear relationship boundaries, their violation can be perceived as an act of disrespect and disregard for who we are and the relationship itself.

They have different relationship goals: A common deal breaker is incompatible goals for the relationship itself. If you are looking to get married and have children and they are not (or vice versa), continuing the relationship almost guarantees a painful ending. Investing more time and developing more emotional intimacy after we’ve spotted this dead-end would be like pressing the gas pedal, hoping to break through to the other side.

They refuse to address issues: A relationship without communication is not really a relationship. Everyone has a different style of communication, but if someone is unwilling to communicate or address issues in a relationship, it becomes hard – if not impossible – to stay with them.

They try to change you: If you are dating someone who wants you to be someone other than yourself, they should probably just date someone else. It's crucial for a strong relationship that you are able to be your authentic self. In a healthy relationship, we will feel seen, heard and appreciated for who we are.

Advertisement
Advertisement

They are abusive. If there is abuse – of any kind – this is a deal breaker. No one deserves to be mistreated, threatenedor frightened in a relationship.

Deal breakers may sound intimidating, but they are just an understanding of what you need – a way to ensure you don’t settle for less. If you know yours, you're more likely to you're get what you need out of your relationship.

Sara Kuburic is a therapist who specializes in identity, relationships and moral trauma. Every week she shares her advice with our readers. Find her on Instagram @millennial.therapist. She can be reached at [email protected].

I'm ready to resume dating. Can I date multiple people at once?

Advertisement
Advertisement

Help, I'm in a sexless marriage: 'I've thought about leaving a million times but I'm still here'

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dating advice: Know your deal breakers, common relationship issues

Advertisement
Advertisement