Dealbreakers

Dealbreakers are conditions or criteria that, when encountered, lead an individual to terminate or avoid pursuing a relationship, agreement, or collaboration. The concept is used across dating, employment, housing, friendships, and contract negotiations. In dating, dealbreakers are typically non-negotiable values or requirements that would preclude further involvement; examples include infidelity, strong differences in political or religious beliefs, desire for children, substance abuse, or incompatible long-term goals. In other contexts, dealbreakers include non-negotiable terms such as salary, work hours, location, ethical concerns, legal compliance, or mismatched expectations.

Dealbreakers are subjective and culturally influenced; what constitutes a dealbreaker for one person may be a preference for another. They can be hard limits or soft preferences, and some may change with time or context. Clear communication can reduce wasted time and confusion, and some people prefer to articulate their dealbreakers early in a process.

Impact and considerations: While firm dealbreakers can protect individuals from harmful or unsatisfactory situations, excessively rigid standards may limit opportunities or entrench biases. Conversely, allowing too much flexibility can lead to disappointment or unhealthy dynamics. Balancing clarity with openness is often encouraged, and revisiting dealbreakers over time can reflect growth or changing circumstances.

See also: Personal boundaries; Non-negotiables; Relationship screening; Negotiation.