Knowing the signs

Normally I would go on and on about how little I know about life but, just for a change of pace, I thought I’d talk about what I DO know: I know how to find a deal on almost anything (seriously; I purchased a cruise for four for $567). I know the importance of getting along with your co-workers (even if you don’t like them). And I know the warning signs of a dangerous relationship. A few days ago my cousin had to work late (she’s a teacher and it was parent/teacher conference night). Normally she would leave her one year old daughter, Julia, with either her parents or her boyfriend’s parents but for some reason, on this particular night, she left Julia at home with her dad. Makes sense right? Well, naturally, Julia got sick at some point in the evening. Nothing serious, merely an upset tummy. And what does good ol’ dad do? Call my cousin and proceed to scream at her; for not answering her phone quickly enough (Again, she was working), for not being home when her child needed her. For choosing to work in general (recently, he suggested she quit her job and stay home). Hello, I’m a red flag. Now, to give Johnny (her boyfriend) the benefit of the doubt, this was the first time he was home alone with Julia (which might be a problem in itself) and I’m sure a sick child would terrify every new parent but making your girlfriend feel like an inadequate parent is not the way to handle it. In fact, making the mother of your child feel inadequate period is not okay. I think it’s a good rule of thumb that if your significant other attempts to dictate if/where/how often you work you might want to think about ditching them. This also applies if they attempt to control clothing, friends, contact with family, or, anything really. Now, if only I’d taken my own advice.