GAZELLE MAGAZINE Vol. 1, Issue 1 | Page 56

Gazelle 14 Spring 49-64_Gazelle Magazine 4/17/14 8:49 PM Page 54 SEX&RELATIONSHIPS Relations­ ip h DEAL BREAKERS We’ve all compromised at one point or another for the sake of love, but there are things that are just not negotiable in order to have a healthy relationship. We asked women around St. Louis to share their deal breakers. “A huge ‘deal breaker’ for me is lack of trust. When you distrust your partner, you begin disrespecting their privacy. Searching through their phone, email, and social media only causes a toxic environment. If you have to seek out ‘evidence’ and check up on someone to feel comfortable in a relationship, then that is not a relationship you should be in.” – Katie Kierney. Professional model and radio host. Miss Missouri 2012. “A deal breaker for me would have to be an abusive relationship, whether physical or mental. Life is too short. If you can't be a positive light in my life, you must keep moving.” – Blu Bolden. Music industry executive. "My relationship ‘deal breaker’ with either men or women, are people who lie. I hold myself to a high level of personal integrity and truth. I believe it sets the stage for moral honesty. Key ingredients for longevity and trust in any relationship, be it personal or business." – Lynette Trares. Licensed permanent cosmetics practitioner. "A man who is not understanding of the dedication I have to my career is a real deal breaker. I am passionate about what I do, so I look for someone who appreciates that about me, and wants to see me grow as well." - Rhonda Shrum. Marketing director at a cosmetic surgery center. We asked the guys what they consider deal breakers. The responses weren’t all that different. “Being controlling and being insecure is a deal breaker because the irrational questions come, and they come from a place of insecurity, and this breaks up a relationship.” - Neal Richardson. Project manager associate at a major bank. "I can deal with a lot of things in a relationship, but the ultimate deal breaker for me is lying. Trust is hard to build because it takes time, and a simple lie can wreck a relationship in a matter of seconds." - Rafeeq Warfield, Personal trainer at a Clayton gym. We want to hear from you. What are your deal breakers? Send your response with or without your photo to [email protected]. We will share your response on our website, gazellestl.com. 54 GAZELLE STL SAVVY “I believe a deal breaker is cattiness. It is a very unappealing quality, usually brought on by jealousy. These days it seems we mistake this for entertainment.” – Brian Delahunt. District manager at a medical devices company. SOPHISTICATED SASSY