Ladies, let’s get real. We’ve all read the romance novels where the brooding, mysterious bad boy treats the girl like garbage, and somehow, that’s supposed to be hot. Spoiler alert: it’s not. What’s actually hot? Respect, kindness, and a relationship that doesn’t make you feel like you’re auditioning for a tragic love song. So, if you’re wondering whether your current or future boo is a keeper or a dumpster fire, here are 9 things you should NEVER tolerate in a relationship.
1. Being the Only One Putting in Effort
If you’re the one always texting first, planning dates, and keeping the conversation alive while he responds with “k” or “lol”, congrats, you’re dating a houseplant. A relationship is a two-way street, not a one-woman show.
2. Lying, Even About Small Things
“It was just a little white lie.” Nope. If he can lie about something small, what else is he capable of hiding? Your trust isn’t a chew toy for him to play with. If honesty isn’t his thing, he shouldn’t be your thing.
3. Making You Feel Like You’re “Too Much”
You’re not “too emotional.” You’re not “too dramatic.” You’re not “too needy.” You are a person with real feelings. If he makes you feel bad for expressing yourself, he’s the problem, not you.
4. Ignoring Your Boundaries
If you say no to something (anything!) and he keeps pushing, that is NOT cute. Whether it’s about physical boundaries, your time, or even your favorite TV show (yes, you CAN refuse to watch his lame series), your boundaries are there for a reason.
5. Constantly Putting You Down (Even as a “Joke”)
“It’s just a joke, don’t be so sensitive!” If his idea of humor involves making you feel small, he’s not funny, he’s toxic. Love should lift you up, not tear you down for laughs.
6. Refusing to Acknowledge Your Worth
If he treats you like an afterthought, he doesn’t deserve to be a main character in your life. You are amazing, and you deserve someone who sees that. If he can’t, his loss.
7. Keeping the Relationship a Secret
Are you his girlfriend or his best-kept secret? If he’s hiding your relationship like it’s a government conspiracy, run. You’re not a secret mission; you’re a queen.
8. Making You Feel Insecure on Purpose
Flirting with other girls just to make you jealous? Comparing you to his ex? Major red flag. A good partner makes you feel secure, cherished, and adored, not like you have to compete for his attention.
9. Never Apologizing (Or Giving Those Fake “I Guess I’m Sorry” Apologies)
“I guess I’m sorry IF you were hurt.” Excuse me? That’s not an apology; that’s a manipulative loophole. A real apology acknowledges the mistake, takes responsibility, and actually changes behavior. Accept nothing less!
The Bottom Line
You deserve a relationship that makes you feel happy, respected, and absolutely thriving. If your current situation feels like a never-ending soap opera (but without the fun plot twists), it’s time to walk away. No one is worth compromising your self-worth for.
So tell me, have you ever dealt with any of these relationship nightmares? Spill the tea in the comments!