PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

Hindsight is 20/20 and when it comes to dating, it would be great if there were a way to look into the future and get a clear picture of a person’s character. This would help prevent many relationships that had no potential of moving forward from ever happening in the first place.

Unfortunately, many people never get to learn what their type is, until after they’ve been involved in a serious relationship, and then can use the experience to determine what definitely is not their type. However, there are certain conditions, or personality disorders, that are obvious clues that someone is dealing with personal issues that might interfere with their ability to sustain a healthy relationship. Identifying these personality types can help you avoid many difficulties in a future relationship, or at least prepare you for the amount of work that will be involved, should you choose to enter into a relationship with someone who has one of these disorders.

When a person suffers from a personality disorder they have a difficult time handling the pressures of stress that affects everyone on a daily basis. They also have a hard time managing relationships with other people and might have difficulties with family members, friends, and co-workers. Though it is impossible to look at someone and determine how his or her mind works, you can look for warning signs, or clues that someone is dealing with a personality disorder.

One of the main symptoms of a personality disorder is the inability to adjust to other people’s needs. This can have a detrimental affect on a relationship and can cause serious problems to any relationship. Personality disorders are classified into three basic categories. These are sometimes referred to as clusters and can be divided into groups A, B, and C. Group A would be those who have personality disorders that focus on odd or unusual behavior. The second cluster, Group B, focuses on very dramatic behavior that often includes severe or serious emotional outbursts, and the third cluster or Group C consists of personality disorders that are based on phobias or fearful behaviors. Here is a listing of five personality types to avoid and a brief description regarding each condition.

Paranoid Personality Disorder is associated with Cluster or Group A. The underlying basis of paranoid personality types is that they distrust the actions of other people. They often believe that other people are committing actions against them, such as being unfaithful, disloyal, or even threatening. Those who are paranoid are often very jealous of their partners and are prone to accusing them of doing things that they are innocent of.

Antisocial Personality Disorder is classified as a Group or Cluster B disorder, and is characterized by erratic behavior. Those with an antisocial personality have a difficult time showing respect for other people. They might have a history of legal issues as well as alcohol and substance abuse. Since those with this personality type often feel no remorse or guilt for their behaviors, it is impossible to have a healthy relationship with an individual with an antisocial personality.

Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by extreme high and low behaviors. This causes the individual to be unstable and often impulsive. They might even become very devoted or focused on an individual only to cut off their emotional attachment suddenly. Those who have a Borderline personality have a history of extremely troubled relationships and often have a difficult time maintaining a relationship.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is another personality type that falls under the Group or Cluster B category. People with this personality type see themselves as worthy of all admiration and adoration. They are often incapable of having healthy relationships as they seek constant admiration, are self-centered, and use other people for their own needs.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder is classified as a Cluster C personality disorder. For those who suffer from this condition, life consists of rigid rules and routines. Spontaneity is difficult and those with OCD often set extremely high standards for themselves. They can become extremely critical of themselves and have a difficult time handling a relationship, as they struggle to make decisions and can become overly dependent on their partners.