When you’re in the dating world and meeting new people, you’re going to date people who aren’t necessarily right for you. And that’s okay; it’s all apart of the process—everyone has gone through this.
So, maybe you’re in the early stages of a relationship with someone, and though you’ve seen a couple of red flags, you’ve pushed them aside because you’re having a good time. Who needs red flags anyways? I get it. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore those early relationship problems—they’re there for a good reason.
If they’re not addressed or acknowledged, the odds are they will blow up in your face later on, and you don’t want that to happen.
11 Early Relationship Problems You Need to Know
So what are some early relationship problems you should keep an eye out for? You’re about to find out.
Unresolved Past Issues
In other words, baggage. Listen, we all have issues, but, for example, if they’re constantly talking about their ex-partner, then they clearly have some issues they need to resolve before moving on. You want a partner that’s going to be on the same page as you, not a project.
Controlling Personality Traits
Aside from this not being an attractive trait; honestly, who wants a controlling partner? This unhealthy behavior can lead to serious relationship problems. If your partner is controlling and has other signs of a toxic personality, you may get yourself hurt.
The first red flag of a controlling personality cannot be ignored. Potentially, this could lead to relationship problems, including physical, emotional, and mental abuse. However, talk to your partner about this and let them know how you feel. They may not even realize their behavior.
Lack/Respect of Boundaries
You need boundaries; your partner needs boundaries, everyone needs boundaries. Though boundaries don’t sound like fun, they protect us. If you don’t have boundaries in your relationship, there are going to be some issues.
However, if you do have boundaries and they simply don’t respect them, that’s an issue. Clear this up. Talk about how much time you want to spend together, if you’re monogamous or not, and what you want from the relationship.
No Common Interests
Opposites attract, but they have to have some things in common. You don’t need to be twins, but being completely opposite from one another isn’t necessarily a good match. If there’s no common ground, you’ll eventually go on to live separate lives. Yes, different is good, but to a point.
Financial Differences
Money, money, money. Though you may not think it’s a big deal, it is. Most married couples divorce due to financial issues. So, if you’re in the early stages of a relationship, take some time to see how your partner handles finances.
Do they like to spend? Do they save? Are they in debt? Are they impulsive? Financial differences can cause serious trust issues in a relationship, so see what’s going on and talk about it with them.
Lack of Sexual Chemistry
When it comes to relationship problems, this is often an overestimated issue. Naturally, sexual chemistry can develop with time and fluctuates. However, if you feel nothing, and I mean nothing, for your partner, then you need to consider if this is the right person for you.
Sex, though shouldn’t be the most important thing in your relationship, is a major component of romantic relationships.
Dishonesty and a Lack of Respect
If there’s no respect early in your relationship, the odds are it’s never going to come. Sure, you can wait for it to happen, but it probably won’t. When it comes to relationship problems, this is a serious one.
Your partner needs to respect you and be honest with you. If not, it’s going to foster trust issues in a relationship, and you don’t want that.
Trust Issues
Trust issues in a relationship are a huge problem in new relationships. It’s hard to fully trust someone in the beginning when things are new and uncertain. If you notice they have unresolved trust issues, things won’t change unless they work on it. Pay attention to the small things, and see if there’s an unhealthy pattern developing. If there’s no trust in a relationship, it simple won’t last.
Communication Problems
Communication is the key to any successful relationship. That said, it doesn’t come easy. Having open and honest communication is something you’re constantly working on. However, your partner needs to be willing to put in the effort.
If you’re noticing they struggle with communicating and aren’t will to work on it, this isn’t going to result in a healthy relationship. To overcome relationship problems requires constructive communication.
History of Cheating
Now, I don’t necessarily agree with the phrase, once a cheater, always a cheater. People do things for different reasons, and that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to do it again. But, it does show you that they’re capable of doing it.
If you feel your partner may cheat on you, then end things before they even begin. If there’s no trust in a relationship, there’s no relationship—it’s that simple. The cheating is one thing, but this symbol trust issues in a relationship, and insecurities.
Conflict Resolving Issues
All couples are going to argue, it’s how we solve relationship problems. But, that also depends on how your partner argues. If they become aggressive during disagreements, this will develop into something more toxic. Relationship problems can only be solved through effective communication.
So, talk to them about this if you’re noticing they don’t communicate well during conflict. Hopefully, they’ll choose to work on it.
Relationship problems aren’t specific to a certain type of person; everyone has them. However, it’s your responsibility to work through your issues. Yes, you can express your thoughts to your partner, but they don’t want to work on themselves, you can’t do it for them.