7 Things You Should Be Upfront about in a Relationship ...

1. Children

By the third date, when things are looking pretty good, one of the top things you should be upfront about in a relationship is children. Whether you already have a child, want them in future, don’t want any, or can’t have them, this is a pretty big topic that should be discussed sooner rather than later. Of course, if you already have a child, it is definitely a good idea to bring this up by the second date. Also, if you don’t want any children, you shouldn’t lead someone on if they have mentioned that they do want at least one child. So, be upfront before things get too serious in your relationship. You don’t want to break your partner’s heart with a topic you should have already been honest about.

2. Type of Relationship You Want

If you’re not looking for something too serious and you just want to go slow in this new relationship, you need to be upfront about it so the other person understands this. Maybe you are a busy person who works and goes to school, or you just don’t have the time for a messy, dramatic relationship right now. If they like you, they will stick around, if not, no sweat!

3. Crazy past

If you have some skeletons in your closet and some baggage from a past relationship, you may want to be upfront about this with your new partner. Were you married? Did you jump around from relationship to relationship? Perhaps there is an Ex that might get jealous? Not everyone can handle someone who has a past that is still part of their present. Be honest, even if it's an ugly truth!

4. Lifestyle Choices

Are you a vegan, are you someone who disagrees with modern medicine, or perhaps you don’t believe in God? The lifestyle choices you make for yourself may affect your relationship, which is why this is another important topic you should be upfront about. There are many different things that could fall under lifestyle choices, so if you think there could be a difference in how you two live, then you should bring it up.

5. Medical Conditions

This could be a very personal and touchy subject to talk about with a potential boyfriend or girlfriend. You really like this person and don’t want to scare them away, but on the other hand you don’t want to hide a medical condition if it’s something serious. Whether you are allergic to something like animal fur or a certain food, or you have a heart condition, sooner or later your partner is going to need to know about these things, especially if he has a dog and you can’t go any where near it! Being upfront and honest about your medical condition will only make things easier for the two of you before it gets too complicated.

6. Family Issues

One day, your partner is going to want to meet your parents and your extended family, but what do you do if there are family issues and you don’t talk to them? Don’t tell your significant other that they will meet them when the time is right if you haven’t spoken to your parents in years. If there are big issues, just be honest about it. You don’t have to go into detail this early on in your relationship, however you should let them know that they may not be meeting your family any time soon if that is the case.

7. Job

Whether you don’t have a job at the moment or you have one that needs your constant attention, you should be upfront in your relationship about what you do for a living. If you are getting serious with someone, they should know that you have long work hours or that you currently don’t have an income due to a layoff.

Were you upfront in your relationship about these things on my list? What are some things you waited to discuss?