Warning Signs of a Bad Relationship

How to know if the relationship you're in should be dropped like a bad habit.

Read a book, watch a movie, listen to the radio, and one thing is clear: everybody wants to fall in love. Though it may seem simple, finding the right man or woman for you isn't as easy as pie. It's actually quite complicated. Which is why some men and women find themselves in relationships that are going nowhere fast.

How can you know if your sweetie isn't meant to be? Look out for these nine signs of a dead-end relationship.

#1: Hygiene

Okay, this one seems to be a bit silly and inconsequential - especially if you have good chemistry with someone. However, if the lack of bathing and mustard-stained shirts don't bother you now, they will in a few months. Do yourself a favor and cleanse yourself of that relationship early.

#2: Smoking and Drinking

There's nothing wrong with either of these habits in moderation (except one of them is linked to practically every health condition known to man), but if you're not a smoker or drinker, it will be a problem one day. You may think you can tolerate your significant other having a smoke or a drink, but that may become a major source of frustration in the future.

#3: Religion

Yes, there are Jews who are friends with Muslims, and a number of Christians enjoy spending time with atheists. However, relationships that mix and mingle faith backgrounds are often very difficult to maintain. In the event a religiously diverse couple gets married and has kids, they can expect a lifetime of choosing whether the kids will go to mass or stay at home watching cartoons.

#4: Brains

If you think your significant other was talking over your head on your first date, you were right. Try as you may, you'll have a very hard time getting someone obsessed with chemistry to explain his or her research in layman's terms. Also, if you think half the things that come out of your boyfriend or girlfriend's mouth are stupid, you shouldn't stick this one out.

#5: Drama

Dramatic people may make life interesting for a while, but that can quickly turn into weariness. It's also common for dramatic people to be fiercely jealous, so be wary of one and you'll sidestep the other.

#6: Meanness

He may open the door for you, but the way he sneers or laughs at the waiter on the first date is a sign of things to come. Regardless of how well your date treats you, if he or she is treating other people around you like dirt, it'll be turned on you eventually. Instead of waiting around for it, take the first train to Niceville.

#7: Guts

Many people start a relationship and continue in the relationship despite a gut feeling that tells them it's not going to work. In the event you find yourself in a relationship that haunts you with feelings that the relationship isn't going to go the distance, do both your partner and yourself a favor by bowing out graciously.

#8: Conversations

Talking is one of the best ways to grow closer to your man or woman. If the conversation is always pointed in one direction, however, there is very little growth. When you're doing all the talking or your significant other won't take a breath to let you get a word in, you may need to listen to your inner self, which is telling you to run.

#9: Priorities

At the beginning of your relationship, you and your boyfriend or girlfriend couldn't get enough of each other. And then you began to notice your man or woman wasn't interested in spending time with you any more. Take the hint and move along. More than likely, someone else is waiting for you and wants to be around you all the time!