[Kenna]

Don't "force" the other person "into a little gray box" filled with YOUR ideas or dreams of what/who they should be, who they should interact with, what they should do and how they should CHANGE or ID to fit your specifications. Don't go into a relationship with the intention of changing the other person... don't place unrealistic or non-agreed upon expectations or limitations on the other person [or relationship in general] that will make them feel claustrophobic and restrained. Before long, they will want to break free of their restraints. (I HATE little boxes... they remind me of limitations and restrictions.)

Do not strip anyone of their dignity. Do not insult or make back handed comments about their heritage, "up bringing", culture, where they were raised, or any of the people that are important to them. (I am proud I spent most of my childhood/young adult years in the Appalachian Mountains and know whole communities of very hardworking, respectful, honorable, compassionate people... it PEEVES me beyond anger and outrage to hear someone I'm dating call us "damn hillbillies!"!!) DO NOT belittle someone. Their heritage is just as valid and important as yours.

And a big deal breaker for me.... Domestic Violence of any kind that makes anyone feel unsafe, threatened, confined, stalked, afraid to leave or afraid to come home, afraid to say "no", etc etc... (I can add to this list, but it comes from my own experience. Domestic Violence is very personal and comes in many different forms.)