There are times when the decision to leave is simple. Patterns of violence, intimidation, or abuse are best met with a zero-tolerance approach. But there are other signs, often less obvious, that shouldn’t be ignored.

Controlling behavior is a red flag. Isolating you from friends and family, displays of excessive jealousy or possessiveness, or pressure to do things that make you uncomfortable should all raise serious concerns.

Finances are another area to pay attention to. If your partner has serious debt or risky habits like gambling, this doesn’t just impact them—it will rebound on you both if you stick around and leave it unresolved.

Look beyond your relationship, as well. How does your partner behave in other areas of life? Driving under the influence, trying to avoid paying taxes, or relying heavily on alcohol or drugs point to longer-term problems. Do you really want to build a life with someone like that?

Think about what you would tell a friend. You’d likely tell them to move on—and that they deserve better.

Not all red flags are obvious. Some behaviors may seem minor at first but become major issues over time.

Take social interactions, for example. If your partner consistently treats service staff poorly—being rude, dismissive, or over-the-top when complaining—it reveals something about their character. Assertively addressing........

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