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People Reveal 39 Professions That Would Be Dealbreakers In A Potential Partner
Interview With Expert
In a way, choosing a partner is like picking a new TV show—usually, you have to invest at least a few evenings to make sure it's worth the binge. But sometimes, you can tell from the tagline alone that it's not for you.
To explore the topic further, Reddit user Stupidis_Stupidoes invited everyone on the platform to list the professions that would keep them from dating someone.
Whether it's due to differences in values or incompatible lifestyles, continue scrolling to check out the listed careers, and don't miss the chat we had on relationships with Dr. Holly Schiff—you will find it between the submissions.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Any kind of influencer if you can even call that a profession.
#2
I hate saying it but police officers. 90% are attracted to the job for power reasons and I tend to not like their personalities. .
To learn more about deal breakers in possible partners, we got in touch with Holly Schiff, Psy.D., who is a licensed clinical psychologist in Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island, as well as a registered telehealth psychologist in Florida.
"I would define a red flag in dating as anything that signals a potential problem in a relationship," she told Bored Panda. "This can be a behavior, trait, or a sign that indicates something may become unhealthy, toxic, unsafe, or incompatible in the long term. Red flags usually point to something that may cause us harm physically, emotionally or mentally.
"Of course, not every red flag automatically means a relationship will fail or that you should end things with that person, but ignoring them can definitely lead to significant challenges, or even potential danger down the line," Schiff explained.
#3
Anything church related.
Bernd Herbert 1 day ago
"Distrust those who say that God is on their side. They are only so close to their God, because they are so far away from man."
#4
No politicians, period.
Child of the Stars 1 day ago
My ex-husband once asked me if I would vote for him if he decided to run for a local office. He didn't like that my answer was "if I agreed with your platform."
#5
Any job requiring high pressure sales. Those jobs attract a certain type of person I don’t like.
keyboardtek 1 day ago
Sales people are always on sales pitch mode. Even at social gatherings they are pushing the latest thing they are trying to sell.
Schiff said that, generally speaking, the weight you place on a potential partner's job should depend upon the context of the relationship and the values you and the other person have.
"While a job isn't necessarily a red flag, it can play a role in compatibility based on lifestyle, values, or interests," the psychologist explained.
"If someone has a job where they need to travel a lot, this may not be a good fit or match for someone looking to maintain a close connection and spend quality time together."
#7
Any profession that makes them a celebrity. I thoroughly enjoy not being in any spotlight.
#8
As someone who’s bartended for ages, bartenders are very hard to date. Getting off work as late as 4 a.m., the culture, it’s hard to find someone outside the industry who can put up with it, and equally hard to find someone within who you can be healthy with.
ConstantlyJon 1 day ago
Yes absolutely. My wife used to be in the industry, and that's probably all that helps her put up with it now.
However, as with many things in life, there's often more than meets the eye.
"People can also be the exception to rule in certain jobs or professions, so it is also important to not stereotype and paint with a broad brush," Schiff said.
"We can't make assumptions based purely on their profession. How do they manage their work-life balance? Do they value the relationship? Does their profession align with your values, lifestyle, and long-term goals? If not, it may signal potential challenges, but of course, a person's job should be weighed alongside other factors."
#9
Military. I graduated high school 2003 and saw tons of my friends deployed and friend’s significant others be deployed and couldn’t imagine the stress. Also not having control over your life and where you live.
keyboardtek 1 day ago
And many come back from war permanently damaged either physically of mentally.
#10
Any fake profession - chiropractors, televangelists, mlm,
Also police.
Similarly, we can take issue with more than just someone's occupation. A survey by Change Research discovered that women's biggest red flag when looking for a relationship is a date revealing they’re a MAGA Republican, with 76% of women saying it’s a major turnoff. The second biggest red flag for women is people who "have no hobbies" (66%), and the third is those who say, "All Lives Matter" (60%).
When it comes to men between the ages of 18 and 34, the biggest turn-off is people who identify as communist (64%), but they also have a problem with those who have no hobbies (60%), as well as MAGA Republicans (59%).
Also, half of men, 53%, say they want a relationship, according to a 2024 Tinder report, and a whopping 68% of women say the same. However, almost all respondents—91% of men and 94% of women—say dating is difficult. To help each other, we should be able to see not just the minuses but the pluses as well.
#13
"Influncer"
"OnlyFans content creator"
"Social media manager/creator/liaison"
"Reddit/Discord moderator"
"Sugar baby".
#14
Self-help/motivational guru probably or any other charlatan/snake oil type of profession because it means we will have many conflicts and incompatibilities over science.
ॐBoyGanesh 1 day ago
So I should stop paying my life coach $2K/mo to validate & confirm me? /s
#15
A lawyer. I was raised by two of them. I've worked with and known several in my extended social circle.
Every single one I've met has never been able to turn it off and I'd prefer not to be examined and cross-examined on a date.
"I think that both red flags and green flags are important in dating, but in different ways," Schiff added.
"Red flags serve as warning signs, to help us avoid potentially harmful, painful, or incompatible relationships. Spot these early on to protect yourself from an unhealthy dynamic or partnership.
"However, green flags represent positive qualities and can guide your choice to move forward in pursuing a relationship with someone. It is critical to be aware of red flags, but I feel like it is equally important to focus on the green flags," the psychologist said.
"These are signals that show a person has the qualities that make for a healthy, successful, and compatible relationship. Ideally, we look for a balance — red flags are indications of where things could go wrong, but green flags highlight for us where the potential for something good and positive exists," she reiterated.
Scrolling through lists such as this one, it can start to seem like virtually everyone can have red flags placed on them. But that's the point. We are all different and so are our preferences. Ultimately, we have to listen to our own instincts and values to find lasting love.
#16
No matter the profession, someone who's job would require to travel a lot, like far abroad and for longer periods, would definitely not be my preference and probably a show stopper.
Child of the Stars 1 day ago
This would depend on the personalities of the couple, I would imagine. If, for example, the traveler is an extrovert and their partner is an introvert, it could work. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" is a saying for a reason.
#17
Any job that:
1. required them to be away for months at a time or extensive travel
2. Any job that had really unstable income month-to-month.
my g/f's job right now is perfect: she works 4 days a week, 10 hours a day, always the same start/stop time, every friday/sat/sun is off. It makes planning stuff super easy.
Sami Smolwing 19 hours ago
This is my work schedule! It's the best, especially if you have a family. I do it second shift, so I'm dying from lack of sleep Mon thru Thurs, but I still get to have breakfast with my son and take him to school every day, and have family time on the weekend. Totally worth it.
#18
Pilot. Worked for an airline once upon a time and not one of those f*****s was faithful to his wife. And more than one had a 'mistress' in an Asian country. Filthy bastards they were.
#19
Dangerous professions or professions that keep them away from the home for awhile (military, firefighter, cop, etc).
LonelyLittleLeafSheep 1 day ago
My husband was a forest firefighter, and it is definitely difficult to be the spouse to someone with such a dangerous job who is gone for months.
#20
School teacher. It’s just changed too much and they carry such a heavy burden all the time. I’m not sure when the switch happened from Teachers/Parents as a partnership to Teachers VS Parents, but that is in the top 5 of worst things ever. My mom saw it coming and I’m glad both of my parents got out of teaching with their mental health, physical health, and reputations intact.
Teachers today seem like they are in a no win situation.
katiekat0214 1 day ago
Retired teacher here, got out when the pandemic hit like a lot of 50+ people. One of my best friends is a teacher, and even in a small town with a very small school district, the amount of work she has to do is unbelievable. She's counting the years until she can retire, and although she and I know she is doing such good work, and making a difference, and administration, colleagues, parents, and students adore her, I never see her. We live about 45 minutes from each other, and I may see her once or twice a year these days. I've known her since 1978! She's tired all the time, has entirely too much prep work, and she puts her all into it. I adore her, and I miss her. And I'm so, so glad I don't have to do an active shooter drill. It terrifies me just thinking of it, and hurts my heart that she is out there in danger every day. My heart and 1,000% support and love to all teachers.
#21
Physician. I dated a surgeon for 3 years in my 20s. Terrible hours, so much drama, so much ego. Nurses throwing themselves at him every day. I later went to nursing school myself and have never, ever been tempted to date a doctor.
ॐBoyGanesh 1 day ago
Married to an EP Cardiologist & thoracic surgeon. He never gets hit on because he always tells stories about his family, our son & me, his husband. Clinic-wise, cardiologists lean towards altruism, whereas surgeons tend to have ego issues and god complexes. But they tend to age out of both.
#23
I’m a massage therapist, one of my friends (also massage therapist) started seeing a guy and he said he wasn’t sure he was totally comfortable with her doing massage and would she consider finding another job?
And that was the end of that budding romance.
Farnzy 1 day ago (edited)
I hope she ended that relationship. There's a lot of unfortunate misconceptions about massage therapy, and starting a relationship with someone who thinks you work in the sex trade when you're a medical professional is...not great. If I'm a massage therapist who tells you I'm legit and you don't trust me...that's a deal breaker, ladies
#24
Realtor.
Donkey boi 1 day ago
I dated an estate agent (English for Realtor) years ago. She was really stunning, smart, kind, caring, thoughtful... the perfect woman. We only broke up because her husband found out and decided to introduce himself to me. I didn't even know he existed. We went for a few pints together, and became really good friends.
#26
Litigation lawyer.
#27
F**k clowns. I have a fear of clowns that, while embarrassing to admit, is still something that makes me feel a duty toward other people. Warning them against clowns.
#28
Nurse or doctor. They work very long hours and come home tired.
ZuriLovesYou 1 day ago
And I really don't want to be around sick people for at least 10 hours.
#30
I’m a paramedic, so my vote is nurses. Don’t do it.
#31
I'm a little prejudiced against insurance adjusters. I've known a few and they're good people, but if I were dating someone whose profession was the same as people who have made my life a nightmare in the past, it would be a rocky start.
It's probably small-minded of me. But I think of it like DUI attorneys. Someone has to f**k them, but it doesn't have to be someone who was hit by a drunk driver.
Jill Rhodry 1 day ago
Hmmm...I can think of one 'Adjuster' who'd get plenty of dates...once he's free
#32
Assassin.
#34
Crime boss .
#37
My stipulations have always been no flight attendants, yachties, and nurses.
#39
Gondolier.
What do you think ?
MindNumbinglyBoringJob 1 day ago
That list like so many on BP just got dumber and dumber the father down you read.
Rahul Pawa 1 day ago
That's how this site works. The items with the most up votes go to the top, least at the bottom. So yes, when it works correctly the one's at the bottom are going to be dumb. That's also probably why they trim the list after a few days.
Load More Replies... ConstantlyJon 1 day ago
This is just a list of generalizations based on lived experiences of strangers. So, the internet. But also just have to take it with a grain of salt. We are all individuals. No job should define a person as being a certain way.
MindNumbinglyBoringJob 1 day ago
That list like so many on BP just got dumber and dumber the father down you read.
Rahul Pawa 1 day ago
That's how this site works. The items with the most up votes go to the top, least at the bottom. So yes, when it works correctly the one's at the bottom are going to be dumb. That's also probably why they trim the list after a few days.
Load More Replies... ConstantlyJon 1 day ago
This is just a list of generalizations based on lived experiences of strangers. So, the internet. But also just have to take it with a grain of salt. We are all individuals. No job should define a person as being a certain way.
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