[Girl_On_Fire]

I think a really strong sign of a potentially-abusive relationship is one party wanting to move much faster than the other. It's almost as though they're trying to sell a piece of limited-edition jewelry. "Act now or soon everything will be sold out!"

Soon after meeting they tell you they're in love with you, you're their soul mate, they've had many past lives with you and can remember them in detail, they've dreamed of you for years, etc. They practically trip over themselves to worship at your feet and it becomes overwhelming. They want to move the relationship along quickly and when you question this fact amid the dizziness of the affair, their negative reaction toward the perceived rejection is almost as strong as their proposed "love" for you.

I'm not saying that love at first sight can't happen but when one partner pushes to move in together, start a family, share finances, etc. and they refuse to take the concern that their partner may not yet be ready for this type of commitment into consideration, it might be a red flag.

Another one, and I've seen this one a few times in my own personal life and in the life of others, is escalating the above with claims of disease, financial hardship, and unsafe environment. If you don't come to them, move in with them, let them move in with you, send them money or help them out in some way, they act as though something terrible will befall them. If this happens, it's important to take a step back and ask yourself, 'What did they do before me?' 'How did they make it?'

Everybody experiences disease and hardship but if you're just starting a relationship with them, why are they dumping that all on you and expecting you to rescue them?