1. The Labeler. This person will always need to label whatever your relationship is with them. Girlfriend? Boyfriend? Friends with benefits? Although there is a situation in which you would like to know what stage you’re at in dating, this person obsesses over it to the point of it being unhealthy. It’s almost like they don’t really care in getting to know you as a person, they just want to immediately put on their Facebook status that they’re “in a relationship” for the sake of validity. These types of people will use whatever label you allow them to dictate the future of a relationship, if that is even a thing, and often have some insecurities and baggage they need to sort out first. The Labeler is not inherently a bad person, but misses the whole point in dating and allowing things to grow organically.

2. The Prophecy Fulfiller. Every single thing you do with this person, every single thing you say, somehow this person will always bring up their ex. You like LoTR? So did my ex! You like hiking and craft beers? SO DID MY EX! This person will always compare you, a unique individual, to their experiences with their ex, or exes in extreme cases. Inevitably, they’ll have a self-fulfilling prophecy and ruin your dating relationship by essentially likening you to people they unsuccessfully dated in the past, like you’re two similar players on a football team. Don’t date this person, you will just waste your time and it’s very likely this person will also say that their exes were all “crazy”, when oftentimes, it’s them who needs a reality check. Will probably over analyze every single thing you say or do too, magnifying any future mistake, no matter how small.

3. Mr./Ms. Flaker. Let me set you up with a situation. You’re dating this person, at least you think you are, and you’ve arranged a date or meeting with this person. Whatever it is, they say it works for them and that then you get your hopes up – you haven’t seen this person in days, weeks, whatever. But then that time comes and then you get hit with the “I can’t make it” text, or some variation of it. Granted there are situations that arise that justify missing a date, such as an emergency. You need to raise some question marks however when this behavior is repetitive to the point you can make a pattern of it. They likely are doing other things in that time, or just frankly don’t care for you. Someone will always make the time for someone they truly care about, no matter how busy they are. Ghosting is also an activity these people are commonly guilty of. If someone doesn’t have the time for you, truthfully, you shouldn’t have the time for them either.

4. The Selfish One. The Selfish One is that person that always takes and never gives in a relationship. They’re always asking for something, being gifts or money, and are never really satisfied with just the presence of you, which is what should be important. Usually, you can diagnose The Selfish One when you come across a person that only talks about and considers their experiences, and cannot put themselves in the shoes of other people. The Selfish One does not really appreciate any gestures or attempts at compromise that you make and is always asking for more, essentially tiring you out and not bringing you satisfaction in the relationship. If you’re dating one of these people, cut them off (respectfully), block them. You do not need this type of person in your life.

1. The Puppeteer. In my opinion, the worst type of person to date. Typically, The Puppeteer tends to overlap with the category of The Selfish One. Highly manipulative and controlling, The Puppeteer just wants every say in a relationship and does not respect your individuality or your opinions. They’ll invalidate what you say and are toxic, making you feel guilty over things done in the past, and deal in absolutes. It is their way or the highway, and will do favors for you and then expect some sort of “compensation” down the road and are masters of turning the tables in their favor. The Puppeteer knows exactly how to target you when you’re vulnerable to manipulate you into something they want. An emotional black hole to say the least, terrible person, and if you find yourself in this type of relationship, you need to run for the hills.