In 2025 let’s take our time before we start dating someone. Personally I am very picky. I could be in love with you and still not want to date you. I’ve met a lot of men and when I found out who they really were I cut them off but some of them were not so easy to cut off. I am going to give you some advice on dating even if I’ve never been in a relationship with that being said you don’t have to take my advice. Actually this is not necessarily a guide to dating but rather a guide to identify toxic traits in your partner or in dating in general.
We’re going to categorize each individual into groups. Before I start with the first group I just want to say I am not judging anyone, we all make mistakes and before I became the woman that I am today I’ve made a ton of mistakes and I’ve been toxic before. We need to admit things to ourselves and we need to change the things that aren’t right. If you see yourself in some of the things I will talk about then please take some time to work on yourself, try therapy if needed.
Gaslighting: this type of person knows how to shift the blame on you even though you did nothing wrong! For example let’s say you find your partner cheating and you try to confront them about it because you feel betrayed. They might bring up everything you did wrong (according to them) in the relationship to justify why they cheated on you. They might say things like “you weren’t there for me you’re the reason why I cheated on you” they know what to say to make you feel bad about a situation that they caused! Your partner cheating on you is not your fault but a gaslighter will bring up all the reasons why it’s your fault. The only way you can deal with this person is by putting your foot down! You can work with this but if you tell them what the issue is and they still choose to gaslight you then please exit. Tell them that what they did is their fault, tell them they need to start taking accountability for their actions. Honestly you know what you can deal with and you know your deal breakers, if this is one of them then please don’t force it because those people never see what they did wrong because you will always take the blame somehow.
Narcissistic: this is the worst type of person to be in a relationship with and if you find out that the person you’re talking to or dating has some narcissistic traits then please run! This person only cares about themselves! Those people are normally very physically attractive and they are very charming! They can disguise themselves very well you might not even realize that they are narcissistic but let me give you some examples:
- Let’s say you are trying to build with someone and you are both saving money, they might ask you to give them your money so they can manage it for you. This person might use that money for their own benefit and forget about you. They might go out with their friends and be there for them but forget all about you.
- This person won’t ask you how you are often or if you have everything you need. They only care about their wellbeing.
- You feel as if you are walking on eggshells around them! You can’t say the wrong thing otherwise they will get upset.
- Behind closed doors they lose their charms, they might shout at you, criticize you! They can make you hate yourself!
- They’ve cheated before, because they only care about themselves; they might not even feel bad about cheating on you at all.
- You get the silent treatment. At this big age if someone is using silence as a way to get back at you they are immature. You should both be able to talk about your differences.
- They break promises. This person is unreliable, you might call them with an emergency and they might be too busy for you. They might not help you because it doesn’t benefit them.
- Anything they do benefits them but doesn’t benefit you at all!
- They will suck you dry! They will take all your time, energy and resources!
My advice to you is to take time away from this person because at first they will use their charm on you and you will fall hard for them, then boom their true self will show up in the relationship.
Gatekeeper: this person won’t help you at all even if they know how to help they may still choose not to do it. This person won’t share valuable information that can help you just because they don’t like to see you doing better than them. For example let’s say both of you are in a hard situation but your situation is not that bad and they can help you with it, they might not help you because misery loves company. They like knowing that you are struggling with them! You don’t want a partner like that, you want someone who wants you to be better.
Manipulator: this person knows exactly what to say to get what they want. They will make you do things you never thought about doing only because they sweet talk you into it. Please play attention, these people may not necessarily love you but they love what you can do for them so they can manipulate you into getting in a relationship with them.