My dad always told me "never get involved with someone that has more problems than you, because their problems will become your problems. Here are some examples of what I'm talking about, if you find out that the person you are dating has any of these characteristics, be careful and consider not becoming involved in a dating relationship with them. Here are twenty things to look out for:
1. Bankruptcy being considered or just filed
2. Just finished bankruptcy
3. Takes psychiatric medications
4. Drinks every day or gets drunk a couple times a week
5. Is on disability
6. Does not work
7. Has not worked for a long time
8. Has not finished high school or obtained a GED
9. Has an arrest record
10. Is on probation
11. Has a prior domestic violence injunction filed against them
12. Is out on bail
13. Is on parole
14. Has a drug problem
15. Uses street drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, or other street drugs
16. Regularly takes pain medication such as oxycodone
17. Engages in doctor shopping to get pain medications
19. Has a suspended drivers license
20. Has a back child support obligation they are not paying
Don't get me wrong, I know that there are lots of good people that have one or more of the above issues going on in their life, and lots of people are able to put these types of issues behind themselves and start a new life. I am however amazed at how many relationships I have seen in my divorce practice where people get involved in a serious relationship and the other person has one of the above problems in their life, and they are totally surprised that the relationship failed, or even more surprised that these problems became their problems too. Don't rush into a relationship simply becauese the person is attractive to you, ask some intelligent questions, and make some intelligent decisions. Consider whether you want to take on someone else's problems.
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