Love

If You Keep Ignoring These Signs, You're Never Going To Find The One

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couple relationship deal breakers baggage

Baggage. We all have it. But at what point does it become a relationship deal breaker?

My clients often tell me they are seeking someone with little or no emotional baggage. Yes, it can make for a simpler life if there are no ex-wives to negotiate with, no child support to pay, and no illnesses or emotional issues to deal with. But if you are a certain age, hopefully, you have lived your life and experienced as much as possible.

However, sometimes a little emotional baggage can make a person very interesting. If handled well, it can even make us stronger in a relationship — rather than turning into a relationship deal breaker. So don't be so quick to write someone off because of a bit of extra luggage.

On the other hand, you might encounter a few relationship deal-breakers that you simply can't overcome or accept. That's why it's important to understand what works for you in a relationship — and what won't. 

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If you keep ignoring these signs, you're never going to find the one:

1. Dating someone who 'jumps the gun' on a relationship

If your boyfriend or girlfriend proclaims his/her undying love for you on the first date, chances are he/she isn't right for you. It's not flattering — it's creepy. If this person thinks he "knows" you after just a few hours or even just a few dates, then he's not interested in the real you. He's just interested in having somebody.

This person might turn out to be a stalker or worse. You're better off alone than with someone who wants to be intimate too soon.

2. Being overly specific about your 'dream' person

I know we all have our "dream man" or "perfect woman" pictured in our heads. "He must be more than six-foot-five and have a full head of hair." "She must weigh 110 pounds and have a 36D chest." But if this is your criteria for a "soulmate," I have news for you: You're not likely to find the love of your life!

Conversely, do you really want to be with someone who finds you sexy but could care less about the person inside? Looks are fleeting. Seek a soulmate who is beautiful under the skin. You never know what package your soulmate is going to arrive in. Be flexible and you just might be pleasantly surprised.

3. Dating people you know won't fit in with your family

If someone is truly your soulmate, he or she is going to be around for a long time. Presumably, you want to be with someone who would fit in well with your family and friends... someone you'd be proud to take home to Mom and Dad.

Don't date a man who wants you to dress like a porn star. He's not seeing you as "wife material" or the mother of his future children. And guys, if you're truly looking for your soulmate, don't date someone you'd be ashamed to bring home to your parents.

RELATED: 3 Types Of Relationship Deal Breakers Worth Breaking Up Over

4. Being with someone who's inconsiderate of others

A person who treats other people poorly, such as waiters and service people, has a poor character. Chances are, he or she will treat you just as badly down the road. Judge a potential partner by how he or she treats others. Never settle for someone who's rude or inconsiderate of others' feelings.

5. A partner who sees you primarily as a future parent

If you are desperate to have a baby — and, yes, this applies to some men, too — you can't let this affect your search for a partner. Don't settle for someone who's less than a soulmate just because your biological clock is ticking. And if your potential mate brings up the subject of having children with you before you've even had your second date, be wary of being used as a sperm bank.

6. Putting up with bad manners or hygiene

A true soulmate will have your feelings in mind. He or she won't offend you with bad manners or poor hygiene. If he spends every meal on his cell phone, avoiding conversation with you, get rid of him. (If he's a doctor or single parent and gets an emergency call, give him some slack, of course!)

If your potential soulmate always meets you in a t-shirt and flip-flops and doesn't bother to brush her teeth, then she doesn't care about your feelings. If he burps and farts at the dinner table and picks his teeth with a matchbook, he's not for you. Your soulmate will want to show you his or her "best side" even beyond the first few dates.

RELATED: 3 Marriage Deal Breakers That Pretty Much Guarantee A Divorce

7. A partner who's full of him/herself

Self-confidence is attractive — boastfulness is not. Men who brag about how much money they make, their six-pack abs or their brand-new Ferrari aren't soul-mate material. This "macho talk" means he's more interested in himself than in you. And it works both ways.

Men are turned off by women who are always talking about their looks, their taste for expensive jewelry, or their manicures. Look for a partner who's modest about his or her appearance and accomplishments.

8. A partner who's high-maintenance or needy

Never settle for a partner who relies solely on you for entertainment. An attractive soulmate is independent, not joined to you at the hip. He or she should have his or her own interests. When I ask my male clients if they care what kind of job a woman has, 95 percent of the time they will answer, "I don't care what she does as long as she has a job and it is something that she enjoys or is passionate about."

He doesn't want the pressure of knowing she is just waiting for him to finish work or whatever he is doing so he can get home to entertain her. A certain degree of independence makes for a balanced and healthy relationship.

9. A partner who talks about his/her ex all the time

It is a real turn-off to both men and women to hear stories or complaints about the person's ex. You want to become involved with someone who is over the past and ready for a new relationship. I get feedback so often from both men and women about their dates going on and on about their ex. And often it is extremely negative. Put the past in the past and focus on the person in front of you.

Baggage or not, quality of character is what will really carry you through a long and happy journey with your soulmate.

RELATED: 7 First-Date Dealbreakers You Should Never, Ever Overlook

Marla Martenson is a transformational life coach, matchmaker, author & tarot reader.