The signs you should stay away from someone are often very glaring and obvious, but you may just choose to ignore them because of your commitment to the relationship. No matter how much they try to pretend, these red flags are often irrepressible.
Though you might be truly in love but your commitment to the relationship should stop where your peace of mind is threatened. There’s no need staying in a relationship where you’re frequently subjected to a series of emotional trauma.
It is good to have a healthy and stable relationship. In fact, everyone dreams of such a relationship where their feelings are valued and reciprocated. But most times it doesn’t get rosy as anticipated.
When you cohabitate with people, spend quality time with them and get to interact frequently with them, you’d see they’re not actually what you thought about them. These warning signs you should stay away from someone shouldn’t be neglected and you should, as a matter of necessity, watch out for these signs.
13 Signs You Should Stay Away From Someone
1. They do not take responsibility
What is maturity without responsibility? Being irresponsible is a red flag and such persons should be avoided. Relationships demand commitment to flourish. If your partner does not take responsibility for their actions, it implies they would hardly get committed to the relationship. Stay away from them before they make fun of you.
Read Also: How To Stop Overthinking After Being Cheated On
2. You overthink almost everything
Overthinking is among signs you should stay away from someone. It is normal to have quarrels and arguments in a relationship but overthinking such incidents to the point of losing your peace, is a red flag.
You can spare some thoughts on what you should have said during the argument, what you should have done, among others.
But if you end up thinking deeply about his actions or asking yourself a lot of “what if?” like:
What if he hit me?
What if he calls it quits?
What if he stops talking to me?
What if I lose him or her to someone else?
Such questions indicate your insecurity in the relationship.
3. You’re very much aware of their toxic and abusive nature
Gut feeling and instincts are two important things that shouldn’t be overlooked in intimate relationships. They rarely convey the wrong message because they’re in sync with your emotions, fears and feelings.
When your gut feeling or your instinct remind you that the person is toxic, it is very likely that they’re truly toxic.
Don’t neglect your gut feelings when making relationship decisions. Victims of emotional or physical abuse are often aware of their partner’s toxic nature but just choose to ignore with hope that things might change.
Read Also: What does it mean to gaslight someone
4. They stonewall or gaslight you
Signs you should stay away from someone are stonewalling and gaslighting. In a nutshell, gaslighting is a technique used to manipulate the feelings and emotions of others.
When someone gaslights you, you may end up doubting your own realities and rely heavily on their judgment and validation.
You need to stay away from anyone who makes you feel less of yourself. Someone who deflates your self-esteem should be avoided.
5. There are no memorable moments with them
Just sit back and count the number of times you enjoyed their number. How many moments did you count? What is the point in staying with someone whose company you don’t enjoy? Relationship is all about companionship and having someone you could confide in.
If you don’t have fun staying around them or look forward to another moment with them, there’s an urgent need for you to stay away.
6. They are inconsistent
Looking for signs you should stay away from someone, inconsistency shouldn’t be overlooked. There’s nothing as good as keeping to your words and promises. Consistency in meeting up with promises means a lot.
If someone is inconsistent over little things, how sure are you that it wouldn’t extend to bigger issues? They promise to take you out on a date during the weekend but they never show.
Apologies are quick for them but they would come up later with a bigger disappointment. Seriously, you deserve better than this.
7. Signs of addiction
Addiction to gambling, drugs or alcohol is a red flag that should be avoided. It is okay to have fun in any way but getting addicted to anything shouldn’t be tolerated. If they’re addicted to gambling, it would leave a big hole in their savings and get them depressed.
Addiction to drugs or alcohol would affect their mental health and general perception of things.
If your partner is showing signs of addiction or any other dangerous behavior, you can help them seek remedy but don’t much about staying in the relationship.
Read Also: When God Wants You With Someone, This Will Happen
8. Staying with them affects your relationship with family and friends
Wondering about signs you should stay away from someone? Check how your relationship with them affects your relationship with other people. The opinions of family and friends matter a lot when you’re trying to choose a partner because they know you very well – your weaknesses and strengths.
If they don’t approve of the relationship, your staying together with the person would directly affect your friendship with others and family ties. At this point, you have to take a break and re-evaluate whatever is going on.
9. You’re not comfortable with their friends
Your relationship with anyone is directly or indirectly extended to their friends and family. Friends have a lot of influence and could determine the direction of the relationship if you both are not resolute enough. It is important to check out the friends of your friend.
If they have questionable character, it is a pointer to the type of character to expect from your partner. You have to stay away from them if you’re not comfortable with the type of person they keep as friends.
10. The sacrifices are one-sided
The signs you should stay away from someone are also extended to how sacrifices are made in the relationship. If you’re the only person making the efforts and sacrifices, it is a sign you’re being taken for granted. If they truly love you, they would willingly reciprocate your efforts with genuine sacrifices also.
When you’re giving without receiving anything in the relationship, it is a red flag. Just look out for other signs to confirm your fears.
11. You’re not appreciated enough
Another sign you should stay away from someone is how lowly they talk about you. Instead of seeing your strengths, they always have something to say about your weaknesses. They rarely appreciate your efforts.
Staying with such people would affect your ego and self-esteem.
12. You’re frequently complaining about them to your friends and family
Your frequent complaints are among the signs you should stay away from someone. There is rarely anything good to talk about them before your friends, it is all about complaints.
Sometimes you just keep quiet because you’re ashamed of their attitude. What other signs are waiting for? It is obvious you’re not in a healthy relationship.
13. Their circle of friends changes frequently
A good test of fidelity is your partner’s loyalty to friendship. Staying out with the same circle of friends is an indication of maturity, trustworthiness, loyalty and commitment.
Changing friends frequently is not a good sign of loyalty. You’re probably trying to know the ones they introduced to you a week ago and here they are with another set. You have to watch such persons closely.
FAQs
What do you do when you want to stay away from someone?
If you have figured out the signs you should stay away from someone, here’s what to do to stay away from someone.
First, cut off their friends and family. This is the safest and easiest route for them to reach you. Cut it off to avoid being cajoled back to the affair you now detest. Limit your discussions with their friends and gradually take them off your life.
Second, reduce the time you spend together with them. Lack of communication is the fastest route to end any relationship. Create a distance and within a while, they’d get adjusted to the new reality.
More so, push them aside from your social media platforms. You may not have to block them on Facebook or Instagram but your reduced engagement on their posts would do the justice.
Above all, seek the advice of a professional relationship therapist. Their views from a neutral point of view would be sincere. If there are chances of changing your partner, you may stick around and try your luck but the advice of a relationship therapist would form a guide for you.
When should you stay away from someone?
As soon as you notice the signs you should stay away from someone. If they are inconsistent, addicted to gambling or alcohol, gaslight you, unreliable, keeping friends with questionable character, manipulative, clingy, self-centered, and bad in communication.
Then you have to stay away from them. They have nothing much to offer. Instead, they would denigrate your personality and jeopardize your peace of mind.
Bottom Line
Signs you should stay away from someone should not be neglected. Whenever you notice these signs, try having a heart-to-heart discussion with them or seek the advice of a relationship therapist.
If nothing changes, you might have no other option than to leave because your peace of mind matters a lot.13