This is a form of abuse. You may not see it, but that’s what it is. Not only are you watching your partner deteriorate emotionally and mentally, but they are keeping you from growing yourself. The best thing to do when they employ these tactics is to cut them out of your life. Sure, there are people that are physically or mentally incapable of helping themselves. That’s a different story. But people who are clearly capable and won’t out of laziness is something you don’t need.

The Lessons

This is what you need to look for in a partner:

• You need someone at an equal playing field as you.
• Someone whose passions in life are in sync with yours.
• Even if they have different interests than you, their drives should be the same. That should be one of the first things one looks for in a partner.
• Having someone with passion will improve your relationship in every way.

Because if they love themselves and strive to be the best they can be, then they can only love and encourage you right back.