On the surface, the phrase might sound as if they’re super caring, but there’s more to it

Making relationships work can prove to be pretty difficult but according to an expert this one phrase should make you consider cutting the whole thing off.

No one likes to set themselves up for failure but according to relationship coach Louanne Ward, failing to act after hearing this one comment could spell disaster.

In a TikTok video on her page from last year, she said this one line is a clear red flag and something both men and women should be wary of when searching for a long-term partner.

In the caption she highlighted that the phrase may sound ‘like they are putting you first and being considerate’ but this is far from the truth.

Thankfully the relationship expert broke down what the person is actually saying when they utter this phrase, and even offered some tips to deal with the whole situation.

Speaking in the social media video, she said: “When somebody says, ‘I don’t want to hurt you’ what they’re really saying is that they believe that you have more feelings for them than what they have for you.

“There would be no need to hurt you if they were committed into the relationship and they see you as a future potential.”

The expert continued to explain why a person who didn’t see a future with you would use this phrase and why it is important to consider your future with them.

She went on: “If someone doesn’t see you as potential for a long-term relationship and they don’t have strong enough feelings for you they can see that they are potentially going to hurt you.

“They’ve probably been guilty of doing this before. [They] can also say it because it makes them come across that they’re a nice, caring, kind person. They don’t have to feel guilty about it because they warned you.

“If you hear that line, it is time for you to get serious and ask ‘what am I doing with this person?’.”

While it might prove difficult to finally cut ties with a partner, Ward insisted that the use of this phrase indicates at some point they are going to break up with you anyway.

She added that regardless of what they have said, if they say this to you, this person is going to end up hurting you anyway especially ‘if you stay where you are’ according to the expert.