An Abusive Relationship:

So your partner says he/she loves you, but then sleeps around, beats you or constantly humiliates you only to come back with thousands of phrases like: “I’m sorry and I’ll never do it again.” Wake up! You’re being abused! It’s best to leave your boy/girlfriend’s nasty ass. You deserve - and it’s your right - to enjoy a relationship where love, respect and honesty are the order of the day. Staying in an abusive relationship could leave you with HIV, terrible physical injuries and also destroy your precious self-esteem. Make your move - FAST.

Being with a sugar daddy:

If you’re dating a sugar daddy, he probably comes with a number of benefits - expensive gifts, 5-star hotel visits and rides in sleek, luxury cars. Hey, this relationship comes with a hefty price tag - paid by you. A sugar daddy has most probably had more sexual partners than guys closer in age to you. This means he has a higher chance of infecting you with HIV. Seriously think about dating guys within your age bracket.

Being with an unfaithful partner:

If your partner keeps cheating on you, you really need to sit down and rethink your relationship. Cheating in relationships is no longer only about sadness, anger, heartbreak and sharp feelings of betrayal - it’s also about HIV/Aids.

By staying with an unfaithful partner, you really increase your chances of contracting HIV. You deserve so much better than a cheating partner. It’s your right to have a partner who is faithful and loves and respects you.

Feeling like you’re a useless nobody because you’ve just been dumped:

Eish, it’s not like you couldn’t eat or breathe before you met the ex who’s just broken your heart. So if you could cope before he/she came into the picture you’ll be able to cope without him/her. Of course, rejection really hurts, but if you’ve recently been dumped, choose not to wallow in self pity. It’s best to spend time getting to know yourself and doing activities you really enjoy like watching movies or chatting with friends. Soon enough, you’ll find a partner who’s just right for you.

This has been edited from an article which was originally published in the March 2008 edition – Issue 55 of loveLife’s UNCUT Magazine.