Random Argument Man said:
But seriously, music tastes are fun, but it shouldn't be an absolute deal-breaker.
Why not? I personally cannot stand most Rap, Country, or Heavy/Death Metal. There are exceptional songs, but they are few and far between.
To start, sharing a musical connection can be a great base for conversation and connection. There is an incredible seletion and variety of music out there. Finding someone that 'gets it' can be huge for a budding relationship, because they would have a higher chance of understanding you, and vica versa.
Not sharing musical tastes can be okay, but I would be inclined to think that not hooking up in that way could imply conflicting character natures. If I seek out music to relax and zone out to, while my partner looks for music to stir crazy beats up in her head, we are going to have problems on long rode trips or lazy days in house.
That is a the briefest snapshot I can provide without writing a novel. =P
On Topic: Everyone has different relationship needs, different desires, and different views on what is acceptable or not. I am monogamous. I am clean. I am border line atheist. So:
1) Above everything else, Dishonesty: Be honest. With your wants, desires, motivations, anything, just be honest with me, talk to me. Hiding unhappiness or hiding anything in general, pretending to like or dislike something to please me, while may be good intentioned, is only going to hurt in the long run.
2) Cheating. It doesn't just happen. You cheat for a reason. It is cowardly, it is hurtful, it is unforgivable.
3) Cigarettes/Drugs. Don;t want to kiss or taste an ashtray, don;t want to deal with a stoned-out addle-brain.
4) Religious. I do not believe in any God. I think the universe, *if* it was created, would be far too great a project for any single being. If I am going to believe anything, I am going to believe in a pantheon of gods and godesses. But at the moment, I do not. If you believe in something, great, I am happy for you. However, I am never going to be able to share in that, and I just don't think things would work out between us.
5) Inequality. In a committed relationship, I expect an equal share of effort and resources on both sides of the table. On occasion, I may treat you to something, and derive an equal value from your happiness. But aside from that, gas, food, entertainment, time, etc, I would appreciate a 50/50 split in the upkeep and maintanence costs of the relationships. I am not going to be your sugar daddy. Be able to pay your own way.
6) Too Dependant. We are two seperate entities. While we enhance and enrich each other lives, I expect to have our own social circles, our own hobbies and interests, and our own deisres to indulge. Sharing is great, bonding is great, but I do not need, nor do I want you beside me 24 hours a day for the rest of my life. I should not be sole thing in this universe that makes you happy or complete. I should be complimentary to your well being, not the crutch that holds you up.
THose are the big ones. There are others, but they tie into those six for most part.