Ladies, do not make excuses and say you didn’t know when enough was enough.
Here are 4 red flags that should give you the key to exit the relationship, as soon as you can.
1. He cheats
Many people will say this point is debatable because lots of couples who have fidelity issues repair their relationship and end up better than where they were pre-cheating. But it’s not the act of cheating that’s the deal-breaker here; it’s the disrespect, broken trust and significant risk to your health. (Hello, STDS!) With all the risks that hang in the balance for just a tiny bit of pleasure, it’s entirely inconsiderate and selfish when a man cheats on you. Do you want someone who puts his wants before your needs, like security and trust? You should not, which is why you have to say BYE to cheating men.
2. He gets violent, even if he doesn’t hit you
You may think this is a no-brainer but honestly it isn’t. Most women I know who’ve been in abusive relationships have immense strength, only to shut down in the presence of her partner’s anger and violence. No healthy relationship can be built off a foundation of fear because you never know when his actions may escalate.
3. He doesn’t claim or proclaim you
Many women will spend time in limbo-like relationships with guys who won’t give them the girlfriend title. Here’s the truth: If you’ve been dating a man for longer than six to nine months and he hasn’t made you an official part of his life, it’s time to MOVE ON. Stop making excuses for why things aren’t progressing to the next level; you’ll only waste time and your time is worth more than that. Don’t settle for less because you don’t want a man who makes you a bargain-bin find. If he knows your worth, he’ll claim and proclaim you and there will be few conversations about how ‘he isn’t ready.’
4. He suffers from addiction
There are plenty of honor badges to be earned by standing by your man when he’s fallen on hard times. But CAUTION if you stick with a man fighting demons, namely addiction. Addiction can range from less-severe, like cigarettes, to major issues such as drug, alcohol, pornography and séx. Someone who suffers from an addiction will do anything – and I mean anything – to get their fix, even at the expense of those they love. So unless you’d like to be second to whatever vices he has, it may be time to ‘leave smoke.’
