We often look for certain characteristics in people that we want to have a relationship with. We search for people who are kind, caring, ambitious...people with positive characteristics. But do we ever consider the negative ones? The attributes we do not want in a potential mate? There are definitely qualities we are likely to avoid just as much as there are qualities we look for. Here are 8 personality traits that can destroy a relationship before it even begins:

Lazy

Laziness can stop you from completing goals, taking chances and achieving your full potential. It can prevent your relationship from growing and progressing. Get off the couch and do something more with your life to meet a mate worth spending your life with.

Prideful

Pride is a hard thing to overcome, but if you don't, it has the power to ruin relationships. Letting pride stop you from saying sorry or admitting you are wrong can keep you from finding the one. You have to humble yourself and admit someone else may be right to be truly happy.

Rude

There is never a need to be rude. If someone has upset you, try understanding them rather than getting even or being rude. Making fun of others, road rage and gossip are all forms of rudeness and they are all turn offs.

Disrespect

Respect can take years to gain, but only moments to lose. When you disrespect someone else, your respect is destroyed as well. You may think you are showing how tough or manly you're being, but it usually doesn't come across like that. Being polite goes a long way. Don't forget that.

Stubborn

Being stubborn is another relationship destroyer. Not moving on or letting go of the past, insisting your idea is the only one that works and not doing what the other person wants to do are all examples of stubbornness. Let it go or keep yourself from ever having an amazing relationship.

Selfish

No one likes a person who is selfish. Someone who only thinks of themselves and doesn't consider anyone else's feelings or opinions will have a hard time making a relationship work. Love is all about compromise and loving others, qualities a selfish person does not have.

Negative

A negative person is exhausting to be around. They let everything bring them down and cannot see the good in a situation. Being constantly reminded of the bad is depressing. Dating a negative person means constantly reminding them about the good in life...it's not something anyone wants to do for the rest of their life.

Self-destructive

Someone who is self-destructive is constantly sabotaging themselves. They put themselves down, they give up before they can get hurt and don't try because they are afraid of what might happen. A person doesn't have to be arrogant, but having self-confidence and believing in themselves is infinitely more attractive than constantly hearing someone tell themselves they can't do it.

We all have some negative qualities in us. I know I am guilty of being lazy on occasion, but knowing how to overcome these negative attributes and letting your amazing qualities shine lets you be happy in a relationship. Don't give in to the temptation and let those certain traits take over your personality. Instead, be the kind of person you want to have a relationship with. With the both of you bringing out the good, you'll never want to let each other go!