Every time you get involved with someone, it’s a good idea to step back and ask yourself: “Am I sure that they are dating me for the right reasons?” More often than not, they will be, but if you are too blinded by love, it’s easy to miss the fact that your new boyfriend or girlfriend is using you.
According to about.com Relationship Advice, if even one of these signs is true, it’s a big fat red flag that you are being used:
1. All He Wants to Do is Make Out
Relationships are really about getting to know each other better and having good, clean fun. If your boyfriend has no interest in any one-on-one activities besides hooking up, then don’t kid yourself: he doesn’t really want to be your boyfriend. He just wants to be your make-out partner.
2. She Likes Your Friends More Than She Likes You
Did your girlfriend beg you to introduce her to your clique – but once you did that, she barely even acknowledged you? Is she more interested in mingling with your friends than hanging out with you one-on-one? She might be using you for status, or to get closer to a pal of yours who she likes more than she likes you.
3. He Tries to Force You to Go Further Than You Want to Go
Once you have made it clear that you don’t want to go any further physically (and you should always make it clear!), your boyfriend should know to stop immediately. If he tries to push past your limit just once, he’s not respecting you like a good boyfriend should.
4. She’s Obsessed With Getting You Alone
A girlfriend who likes you for you will be happy to hang out with your friends, your little sister or even your parents for a while. If she ONLY wants to be with you, she’s probably not interested in connecting with you as a person.
5. He Asks You for Things That He Won’t Give Back
A boyfriend should respect every aspect of you, including your stuff. If you are always paying for things and he never offers to chip in, or if you lend him stuff that he never gives back, then he’s not treating you with the respect you deserve.
6. She Refuses to be Exclusive With You
Maybe she’s seeing another guy on the side, or maybe she’s carrying a flame for her ex. Whatever the reason, if her status still says “single” (either on Facebook or in the real world), she’s not ready for an emotional commitment. She’s not a real girlfriend – she’s using you. And that’s not worth settling for.
If all or some of these signs are true in your case, it may well be time to review your relationship with this person by talking about your concerns. But if they are intransigeant about making changes, and things do not improve, it is wise for you to check out for the sake of your own dignity.
