14 Signs Your Relationship Could Turn Violent

Jealousy, put-downs and possessiveness make this list.

Forget about the Lifetime movies you’ve seen. Contrary to popular belief, a man doesn’t typically change from Prince Charming into a violent brute overnight. There are usually red flags early on in a romantic relationship that indicate that a man (or a woman) has an abusive personality type.

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The list below highlights the major signs to look out for to avoid becoming a victim of domestic violence. The common theme to look for is emotional abuse, as that typically precedes physical abuse. Beware if your mate:

Tries to avoid places where you might receive attention from the opposite sex.

Constantly uses misogynistic terms for the women -- ex-girlfriends, ex-wives, female relatives -- in his life.

Has a Jekyll and Hyde personality. Behaves one way with certain people and assumes a totally different persona with other groups. Her chameleon-like personality may be a clue that she’s trying to hide her true nature.

Usually seems mild-mannered and polite but little things cause him to explode in anger. These outbursts may indicate that your significant other is an angry person who hides behind a gentle mask in public but rages in private.

Confesses to previous episodes of violence such as twisting a girlfriend’s arm, shoving or hitting her or brawling with others.

Punches holes in the walls, throws or kicks objects. One day these outbursts will be directed at you.

Routinely checks up on you. She wants to know where you are and whom you are with at all times. 

Attempts to isolate you from your friends and family by convincing you that your loved ones take advantage of you, treat you badly or envy the relationship you two have. Abusive significant others may even accuse one of your loved ones of coming on to them to get you to part ways with friends and family. 

Wants to marry you or have children with you immediately. Once you’re tied down in this way, it will be more difficult for you to escape your significant other’s outrageous behavior.

Constantly belittles you by berating your appearance, intelligence, etc. Over time, these insults erode your self-esteem.

Threatens to harm himself, you or others if you leave.

You see a fleeting wild-eyed, crazy look in your mate’s eyes for no reason. This may be a glimpse of his true nature

Treats wait staff poorly.

Stalks you.

Sources: Heartless Bitches International, Counseling Resource Center and University of Washington

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