You’ve taken the plunge and signed up for an internet dating site. You’ve spent considerable time creating an amusing profile complete with photos. You’ve done your best to showcase yourself in a positive light.

So now that your profile is posted it’s time to start browsing. You plug your “my dream date must haves” into the dating site’s search engine and sit back while it does all the work. Within seconds you’ll have a list of profiles to look at.

As you read through the profiles looking for clues of his or her personality, there are a few things you need to keep an eye out for. These are character traits that are not particularly flattering. More importantly, they could be relationship deal breakers.

Too much sarcasm. We’re all guilty of occasionally using sarcasm in the guise of a joke to poke a bit of fun at someone. Provided we do so discreetly, it’s usually harmless. But if the guy or gal you’re considering dating has nothing good to say about anyone in his or her life, what makes you think they’ll talk about you any differently?

Prior relationships. Most of us have a serious relationship (or two or three) in our past. If they ended badly, we likely learned something about ourselves in the process. But people who have only horror stories to share about their previous relationships may not have learned a thing about themselves or their past mistakes. Beware of perennial victims before you become one of the “bad guys”.

Anger that’s out of place. Sure, we all become incredibly angry at times. And if we handle it appropriately it’s usually not a big deal. But be careful of someone who appears to be angry at the world. They likely blame everyone but themselves for their problems and sooner rather than later, you are going to get blamed for something.

Polar Opposites. It’s true that opposites attract, but some differences are just too great to ignore. Big issues about which you are on opposite sides of the fence like religion, whether or not to have children, and drinking and drugs, are relationship killers. You may have fun in the short term, but long term? Not so much.

Dating and internet dating should be about getting to know someone better. If the person you’re dating exhibits any of the above characteristics, take care. Give some thought as to whether these traits could present big problems down the road, and make your decision accordingly.