I'm part of a Stay-at-Home Mom Support Group on Facebook, and it's truly heartbreaking to see how many of these women are trapped in toxic relationships. The same painful story keeps repeating—these women handle virtually all the housework and childcare, yet they’re ignored, unsatisfied, or even abused, but they still feel powerless to leave.

The lesson is clear: Don’t enter a relationship just to cater to your partner or kids. Before committing to anyone, set your goals high, pursue them relentlessly, and trust that the right person will come along to support and uplift you. In natural law, males are typically the ones who pursue females during mating, rather than the other way around. 

Think about the countless people who fought, struggled, and even sacrificed their lives so you could have the chance to achieve your dreams. Each morning, it’s nothing short of remarkable that you have the opportunity to create the life you desire, surrounded by the people you choose. Isn't the very fact that you're alive, with this incredible chance before you, all you truly need? Start taking bold moves toward your vision with the Happier Mom Daily Celebration Journal, your gateway to personal growth and transformation!

When I dated in the past, I ignored warning signs that I now recognize as clear red flags. Moving forward, I’ve learned that it’s essential to prioritize a partner's character and effort to learn and grow with you over superficial traits like looks or charm. Here are some red flags to be mindful of:

• Poor Communication Skills: A lack of openness, active listening, or clarity in communication can create misunderstandings and emotional distance in a relationship.
• They Don’t Validate Your Emotions: If they consistently dismiss or invalidate your feelings, it can create a toxic dynamic where your emotional needs are unmet.
• Bad Habits: Pay attention to recurring behaviors that could indicate deeper issues. Habits like excessive drinking, smoking, substance abuse, obsessive gaming, or excessive consumption of porn can lead to long-term problems and may be hard to break.
• Coming on Too Strong Sexually: If someone is overly aggressive or pushy with sexual advances early in the relationship, it can be a red flag for disrespecting boundaries and a lack of self-control. A healthy relationship should progress naturally, with mutual respect and comfort.
• Flirting with Other Women: If your partner flirts with other women in your presence, it shows a blatant lack of respect and commitment.
• Racist or Closed-Minded Attitudes: A partner who holds prejudiced views or is not open to your political, religious, or spiritual beliefs is unlikely to be respectful, kind, or open-minded, which can create significant tension and conflict in the relationship.
• They Would Choose Their Family Over You: If they consistently prioritize their family over you, it may indicate that they aren’t ready to fully commit to building a life with you.
• Stingy or Poor Money Management: Being excessively stingy with money, especially in areas like tipping or shared expenses, can reveal selfishness or insecurity. Similarly, poor money management skills that lead to financial instability can strain the relationship over time.
• Constant Stress or Lack of Ambition: If your partner is consistently stressed or complaining about work without making efforts to improve their situation, it may indicate a negative outlook on life. Likewise, a lack of personal or professional goals can show a lack of direction and drive, potentially holding you back from achieving your own aspirations.
• Poor Eye Contact: Inconsistent or lack of eye contact can signal dishonesty, low confidence, or a lack of genuine interest in you.
• Incompatible Walking Pace: This might seem minor, but walking at different paces can reflect a lack of synchronization in the relationship. It could indicate impatience or a lack of attentiveness.

To gauge whether a potential partner possesses good character, consider how they behave in various situations:

• Around Your Family, Friends, and Kids: Observe if they show respect, kindness, and genuine interest in the people who matter most to you.
• Interaction with Strangers: How they treat people they don't know can reveal a lot about their true nature.
• Reactions to Your Career Goals: A supportive partner will encourage and celebrate your ambitions, not belittle or undermine them.
• On Dates: Notice whether they are thoughtful and considerate when planning and during your time together.
• On Trips: Traveling together often brings out a person's true character. Notice how they handle stress, planning, and new experiences.
• In Everyday Tasks: See how they handle ordinary activities like grocery shopping, cooking, or gardening—these can show if they’re practical, helpful, and a good teammate.
• When You're Sick: A partner who cares for you when you're unwell shows empathy and dedication.
• Playing Games: Their attitude during games can be telling—are they overly competitive and arrogant, or do they enjoy the experience and show good sportsmanship?
• Helping with Household Tasks: Will they pitch in with organizing or cleaning, or do they expect you to handle everything alone?

Value yourself and your body—don’t rush into physical intimacy just because someone seems charming, exciting, or offers the illusion of security. Take the time to notice their behaviors and traits, and you’ll gain a clearer picture of whether they truly have the character and qualities needed for a healthy, fulfilling relationship. It’s not about finding someone perfect, but someone who’s willing to put in the effort and grow alongside you.

Here’s to wishing you the best of luck in your romantic ventures!

P.S. On a side note, the court papers processed quicker than expected and I’m now officially single :)