When you fall in love with someone, you see their good qualities and overlook or forgive the rest. But as the world saw in the recent tragedy of Gabby Petito, sometimes those other qualities are dangerous or deadly.
In Gabby’s case, what looked like an ideal relationship was full of emotional instability. No matter how unstable your partner is, though, you never expect that they’d be able to follow through and actually hurt you—until they do.
At that point, it’s too late. The damage is done, and you have to deal with the consequences.
Knowing what an emotionally unstable person looks like can help you avoid getting in too deep with them.
In many cases, that person knows how to be manipulative, and you end up being the “bad guy.” All too often, this shows up as false accusations of violence or sexual misconduct, and you need to find reputable sex crime attorneys to help prove your innocence.
These accusations and altercations could have been avoided entirely if you ran from these 7 red flags.
1. They Get Angry Quickly
Someone might joke about their “road rage,” but if your partner gets angry that easily, they’re probably unstable in other areas, too. Be on the alert for extreme temper changes and how they treat people in lesser stations. If they flip back and forth between personalities, run while you still can.
2. It’s Everyone Else’s Fault
Why did they break up with their past partners? Are they always moving from job to job because of their workers, boss, or the “atmosphere?
If so, it’s probably not “everyone else.” The variable that’s the same everywhere is your partner, and you should see that as a warning.
3. Their Family is Full of Drama
The saying “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” is accurate most of the time. Occasionally, you’ll find a person who fights their generational curses and wins. This will show up in their character because they’ll be strong and determined. But if your partner is full of drama, and so is their family, you’re in for a bumpy ride.
4. They Lack Empathy
A person who can’t empathize with humans and animals doesn’t have balanced emotions. They don’t have to cry at Bambi and Lion King, but they should show respect to the homeless or disabled. They should tip their servers well because they know how hard the job is.
Someone without empathy for others isn’t going to care for you when you don’t give them what they want.
5. They’re Always Right
Humility is an essential part of being a decent human being. If you can’t humble yourself and admit when you’re wrong, there’s a reason, and it’s not a good one. Let the other person work on themselves with someone else. You don’t need that drama.
6. They Can’t Take Criticism
You want to make it work with your partner, so you’re being honest with them. You don’t like the way they (fill in the blank). You talk to them rationally and calmly, letting them know you want to work together to compromise on the issue, and they blow up. Someone who can’t take criticism, even constructive criticism, isn’t worth your time.
7. They Self-Medicate to Ignore Problems
How does your partner handle it when trouble comes their way? Do they tackle it head-on, sit back and come up with a sound plan, or ignore it entirely? If they drown their problems in partying, alcohol, drugs, or something like work, how will they handle the rest of your life together?
Ignoring problems is a red flag that they’re unstable, and it’s a sign that you will have to handle all the work while you’re together.
One of these signs might be a workable concern, but if you see two or more in your partner, leave before the instability becomes dangerous.
If you enjoy my blog, please consider following me on Bloglovin'
