Embarking on a new romantic journey? Arm yourself with awareness by recognizing dating red flags. These early warning signs can help you avoid potential problems in relationships. We all know that feeling of infatuation when excitement blinds you, and you see the person you’re dating as perfect. Hopefully, you’re right about that perception but always keep an eye open to prevent any future harm.
What is a red flag?
A red flag is an alarm, a warning sign. Some of them can be seen from far away just by screening people’s profiles on dating apps, while others are well hidden. It’s common to not see them at the beginning, but when you start noticing them, you’ll realize that they were always there. Understanding these signs will empower you to make informed decisions and prioritize your health and well-being.
What are some of the most common red flags in dating?
Navigating the dating landscape requires a keen eye for common red flags. Although red flags come in different shapes and colors (pun intended), some are more usual in men, while others tend to appear in women. No matter the gender, it is important to recognize them. In the subsequent sections, we will list some of the most common red flags.
They are extremely jealous
Jealousy can be toxic in a relationship. When a partner exhibits extreme jealousy—disliking your past memories, discouraging you from spending time with your friends, or displaying anger over innocent interactions—it becomes a red flag. Unhealthy jealousy goes beyond mere insecurity, manifesting in control, disrespect, and even emotional abuse.
Lovebombing
Lovebombing is one of the hardest red flags to recognize. Why? Because it is a type of emotional abuse where one person “bombs” another person with gifts, compliments, attention, and affection. The problem is the intention beneath all these actions.
People who lovebomb do it for their own convenience, either to use you or to make you dependent on them so that they can control the whole relationship unilaterally.
They talk badly of all their exes
Pay attention when your date consistently portrays themselves as victims in past relationships. Of course, there is a reason why exes are exes, but if someone is constantly criticizing their past lovers, it might be a sign that ownership is not on the menu.
They don’t trust you
Trust is foundational in any relationship. It raises a red flag if your partner exhibits constant mistrust, questions your actions, or demands excessive explanations. Healthy relationships thrive on mutual trust, and a lack of it may indicate deeper insecurities or control issues.
They make fun of you
Beware if your date consistently makes offhand comments about your choices, interests, or appearance, even if they pass off as jokes. Expressing discomfort with their comments is essential since a healthy relationship should encourage open communication. If you are feeling disrespected or judged, speak up!
They don’t respect your boundaries
In a healthy relationship, boundaries are respected. A lack of respect for limits indicates a potential disregard for your well-being and sets the stage for unhealthy dynamics. These boundaries can be physical—for example, if your date is forcing you to be involved in sexual activities when you don’t want to—or emotional—for example, when they keep on asking about topics that you said you didn’t want to talk about.
They are aggressive
Aggression, be it verbal or physical, is an alarming red flag in any relationship. Although violence knows no gender or sexual orientation, individuals from the LGBTQI+ community are more exposed to it, even in apps designed for them, such as Grindr. This red flag is one of the most important to recognize in the early stages since it can severely affect your emotional and physical well-being.
Your friends don’t like them
Pay attention to your friends’ opinions; they often offer valuable perspectives from a position that is less involved than yours. If your friends express genuine concerns or dislike your date’s behavior, it’s a red flag. True friends prioritize your well-being and can identify potential issues that might be challenging to see from within the relationship.
What to do if you spot one of these red flags while dating?
Finding a partner is important for most people, and you might feel pressured to be in a relationship at a certain age but don’t forget that your priority should always be your well-being.
If you detect a red flag while dating, you have two main options: to address it and see if it is something the other person was doing unintentionally and didn’t mean to harm you or to end the relationship and move on.
