Run! 5 men (or women) to avoid

Ever wished you had one of those at-a-glance guides to help you steer clear of people who make really dodgy partners? This list is by no means foolproof, but in RC’s experience, these types are baaad news and will only cause you to have an achey-breaky heart.

1. Addicts We’re not talking about the occasional binge here, this guy is a serious addict and needs his fix every day. And unless they sober up, they can never really be there for you. Their drug of choice – be it a bong or a beer - will always come first. They should be in re-hab, not a relationship. Move along.

2. Gamers Another kind of addict – but of the cyber variety. If they spend more than three hours a day slaying dragons in World of Warcraft or similar – they’re too distracted to really focus on your relationship. Avoid. Avoid. Avoid.

3. The attached Married? Engaged? Living with someone? Girlfriend? Boyfriend? Ugh. No matter how fun, sexy and string-free the affair seems to begin with, the guilt (there’s or yours) will come back to bite you in the bum. Also – do you really want to be second best? Don’t even go there sista.

4. Commitment phobes. Does he have a backpack permanently packed? Is he afraid of committing to lunch, let alone the next three months with you? If he breaks out in a cold sweat at the mere mention of marriage and kids then he’s not ready for a wonderful future with you. Next.

5. STILL haven’t got their shit together You know the type. He’s still sleeping under a Tonka Truck doona cover in a single bed at his parents place; playing in an indie rock band earning $50 a week and in his 8th year of an arts/film/writing degree. If he hasn’t ever held down a full time job, he’s unlikely to show up when you really need him. Not for you.

*** Do you agree with this list? What other types should be avoided at all costs?