Sitting in my attic nook, watching fall leaves drift onto the driveway, I wrote my list of dealbreakers.
All the things I'd overlooked in my 2 marriages.
Controlling behaviors. Blaming. Emotional absence. Broken promises.
I felt ashamed about what I'd accepted as normal. Sad about the years I'd wasted thinking people would change. And terrified I'd do it again.
So when my partner and I started dating, I kept that list close. My safety harness. I promised myself: one dealbreaker, and I'd walk away.
Four months into dating, I hit a dealbreaker. My partner ordered a custom skydiving suit. I measured him carefully—twice—using the 44-point form.
When it arrived too small, he immediately blamed my measurements.
Blaming. Right there on my list.
Without a word, I walked out, got in my car, and drove around for an hour.
Hurt. Heartbroken. But clear.
Because I had to end our relationship.
When I came back, he met me at the door:
"I'm sorry. It wasn't your fault. I should never have said it was."
I stayed, but it took me two months to fully trust him again. I was watchful. Wary of a repeat.
But not afraid.
Because I'd proven something to myself: when it mattered, I wouldn't abandon me.
That's what the dealbreaker list really gave me. Not a way to vet someone else—a way to trust myself again.
Here's the truth, Reader: you can't build healthy relationships if you don't trust yourself first.
The dealbreaker list helped me do that. But it's just one piece.
On October 22, I'm hosting a free webinar where I'll share the complete framework I use—including how to rebuild self-trust, set boundaries, and recognize patterns before they repeat.
It's for anyone tired of second-guessing themselves in relationships. You can register here.
I'm doing this because I spent too many years thinking I was the problem.
I wasn't. I just needed better tools.
I hope you'll join me.
Sending you peace of mind, always,
Jenni
P.S. I know an hour feels like a lot when you're already busy. But if you're tired of second-guessing yourself in relationships, this webinar could save you years of heartache. That's worth an hour.