Should debt a dating dealbreaker?

When love and finance intersect, it can be a tricky place. Many people arrive there while still dating– when the level of debt carried by a potential partner creates concern about the next step in the relationship. A new survey revealed 75% percent of respondents viewed student loan debt as “baggage.”  If you’re dating and want to know when debt should be a deal breaker, here are four signs.

The debt isn’t treated like it’s a big deal. Listen to how someone is talking about their current debt. Are they nonchalant or cavalier? Dating gives you an opportunity to examine someone’s values–including financial ones!  If the thought of owing anyone keeps you up at night, you may find you’re not able to stay in a relationship with someone who can sleep soundly despite owing everyone.

There’s no remorse for their previous habits.  If the person doesn’t seem bothered by the fact that they’re in the place they are financially, that’s a red flag. It’s the ones who recognize that they shouldn’t have borrowed so much who tend not to go there again.

There’s no attempt to change bad behaviors. For example, if someone has a lot of credit card debt and they’re still swiping that plastic all over town, that’s a sign of continued financial irresponsibility.

There’s no plan to get out of debt. If your significant other ignores calls from creditors, isn’t opening mail and doesn’t have a specific strategy to get out of debt, you should be very concerned.