The top 10 relationship deal breakers, According to Science

What makes or breaks whether someone wants to see you for more than just one date? A study recently published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin nailed down the top 10 most common deal breakers for short- and long-term relationships alike.

Take a look at the most popular reasons people get rejected — and consider whether any of them explain why you've recently given someone the cold shoulder or been shunned yourself.

Top 10 Deal Breakers for Short-Term Relationships

Has health issues or STDs

Smells

Has poor hygiene

Is married or already in another relationship

Is currently dating multiple people

Has anger issues or is abusive

Isn't good in bed

Isn't attractive

Is racist or bigoted

Doesn't take care of themselves

Top 10 Deal Breakers for Long-Term Relationships

Has anger issues or is abusive

Is dating multiple people

Isn't trustworthy

Is married or already in another relationship

Has health issues or STDs

Has an alcohol or drug problem

Isn't attentive or caring

Dismisses your interests

Has poor hygiene

Smells

Granted, there's no soul mate prototype that perfectly fits everyone. A major red flag for one person could be a serious green light — if not a magnet — for others.

People who have health issues, STDs, or a history of drug problems, for instance, may get along better with people who understand because they've been there too or are still grappling with that particular problem.

Additionally, traits like impulsivity (not on the top 10 but still a deal breaker, according to the study) may be a turn-off to someone who prefers stability in life yet hold serious appeal for someone who needs more excitement. In the latter case, one might call acting on impulses "being spontaneous."

Your priorities may also change depending on what you're trying to get out of a relationship. Case in point: having poor hygiene and smelling gross apparently become less of an issue when you're seeking longer-term love (see the lists above.)

The big rub when it comes to deal breakers, Gregory Webster, an associate professor of psychology at University of Florida and one of the study's authors, explained in a press release, is that negative qualities often eclipse any positive traits possessed by a person you're interested in. And we can thank evolution for this propensity to pick up on (and recall) threats above and beyond neutral or pleasant aspects of a person. It helped our ancestors choose mates without qualities that interfered with child rearing and other safety concerns that could have impeded our species' survival.

Luckily, according to Webster, many people naturally weed out guys and girls they're not hitting it off with from their dating pool. But if you have trouble with this, paying more attention to your gut may be advisable, instead of forcing yourself to be with someone who looks great on paper but makes you feel vaguely unsafe.

"A lot of times, just by avoiding negative traits, people will probably be fairly well off — maybe even more well off — than if they were trying to optimize the best potential partner," Webster said.

Of course, compromise is a hallmark of a healthy relationship. So yes, pay attention to things you really can't deal with. But don't expect everyone you consider for short- or long-term liaisons to be absolutely perfect. This, studies show, will just make you (as well as anyone you date) miserable.

Credit: Cosmopolitan