14 Red Flags To Watch For In Relationships
Love can sometimes make it difficult to see the warning signs, like wearing rose-tinted glasses. Certainly, certain indicators are unmistakable—such as someone punching a wall after their team loses or making racist or homophobic remarks (which are never acceptable).
What about the more subtle cues? You know, when they begin referring to you as their soulmate after just two dates or exhibit excessive clinginess?
Regardless of how strong or intense your relationship appears, you will inevitably encounter frustrating (or infuriating) situations. However, the red flags being discussed are more than just small annoyances; they are actions that should prompt reflection and could indicate underlying problems.
Trusting your instincts is a great method for identifying these warning signs. Considering what caused discomfort in previous relationships can also provide significant assistance.
Regrettably, this is more difficult in reality, and a lot of us waste time with the incorrect individual. That is the reason we have put together a list of typical warning signs that may not be immediately apparent—so you can approach your romantic relationships with increased certainty and fewer feelings of regret.
1. Their Dating Profile Doesn’t Match Who They Are
Everyone strives to make a good first impression, but there is a fine line between portraying oneself positively and being deceptive. Making the statement that you are six feet tall when in reality you are five ten, or stating that you are an “enthusiastic hiker” when you simply like taking leisurely strolls in the park could be seen as harmless lies.
Maybe they are unsure or scared of possible criticism from you. Nevertheless, it is crucial to delve deeper as lack of honesty and self-awareness may lead to more severe problems down the line, especially during conflicts.
2. They Describe All Their Exes as “Crazy”
We all have previous relationships that we might not look back on favorably, but if your current partner constantly talks about how “insane” their former partners were, it’s a big red flag.
A red flag should be raised for someone who shifts all the blame for past relationship failures onto their exes rather than taking responsibility for their part. Chances are they will bring their unawareness into your relationship, making you end up as one of their “crazy exes.”
3. Their Jealousy Turns into Control
Jealousy, by itself, is not necessarily a warning sign. At certain moments, we have all experienced a slight feeling of jealousy. But it’s important how your partner deals with those emotions.
If they react by shouting at you for conversing with others or attempting to dictate your social circle, that is a significant red flag. In a good relationship, you should feel protected and stable, not like you’re always on edge.
4. They Put You Down, Even in a “Joking” Way
Saying “it was only a joke” doesn’t lessen the pain caused by hurtful remarks. Making excessive sarcastic comments or teasing about your vulnerabilities can be a means for someone to assert dominance in the relationship.
There is a significant distinction between playful teasing that both partners find enjoyable and remarks that make you feel negatively about yourself. If your partner continues making hurtful jokes after you’ve talked to them about it, it could become a dealbreaker.
5. They Rush the Relationship
“Love bombing” occurs when an individual showers you with an abundance of attention and affection, accelerating the relationship rapidly. It isn’t only about expressing love prematurely or desiring to live together earlier on in the relationship.
It is when these strong actions are utilized to control you and make you reliant. Receiving excessive gifts or extravagant compliments from a new partner could indicate potential red flags, especially if they begin pressuring you or becoming upset if you don’t respond as expected.
6. They’re Rude to Service Workers
This is a clear warning sign that should be apparent right from the start. If your date is disrespectful to waiters, baristas, or any service workers, it indicates a lot about their character.
How a person treats individuals they view as inferior reflects their entitlement and how they will treat you when they feel in control. Do you truly desire to be in a relationship with someone who believes it is acceptable to treat others disrespectfully?
7. You’re Always Fighting
Arguments are frequent in every relationship, but it is important to take a moment to think about it when constant arguing becomes the usual behavior.
What is important is not just how often arguments occur, but also if they are offset by positive interactions. If you often find yourself not seeing eye to eye with your partner, it may suggest a lack of compatibility or the relationship becoming unhealthy.
8. They Don’t Really Listen to You
Neglecting to purchase eggs at the store is not the same as ignoring the important parts of yourself that you show. If your significant other fails to pay attention when you talk about your day or cannot remember the little things that matter to you, it might be a red flag.
A partner lacking attention does not deserve your complete loyalty, and this is a warning signal you must pay attention to.
9. They Don’t Support You When You’re Struggling
During stressful or difficult times, it is important for your partner to support you. They are not required to have every answer, but they should strive to provide comfort and reassurance.
A small action such as a hug or offering words of support can have a significant impact. If your partner appears uninterested in your difficulties, it shows that your emotional needs are not being addressed.
10. They Rely on You for All Their Emotional Support
If your partner is relying solely on you for support with their serious mental health issues or past traumas, that’s a warning sign. Everyone has their own baggage.
People facing difficulties can still have healthy relationships if they acknowledge their problems and make an effort to address them, possibly through therapy or other methods.
You are not accountable for every aspect of their wellbeing, and if they anticipate that, the relationship may become suffocating.
11. They Push Your Physical Boundaries
Is your partner not respecting your need for personal space, even when it’s in innocent actions like persisting to tickle you after you’ve told them to quit? That is a warning sign.
Showing respect for boundaries is important in every relationship, and the inability to accept rejection may indicate a lack of consideration for future boundaries.
12. Your Friends and Family Don’t Like Them
It is important to take note of why your friends and family may not be excited about your new partner, as they only want what is best for you. They may notice something you’re overlooking, particularly if you’re in the initial phases of being infatuated.
Inquiring directly about their opinion on your partner could spark challenging discussions, but confronting the truth is more favorable than disregarding possible issues.
13. They Gaslight You
Gaslighting is when your partner twists reality to make you doubt your own perceptions. It’s a form of emotional abuse that can be incredibly damaging.
If you find yourself constantly questioning whether you’re overreacting or being too sensitive, it might be because your partner is manipulating you. Seeking support from trusted friends or a therapist can help you see the situation more clearly.
14. They React Poorly When You Spend Time Away from Them
It is natural to want to spend time together at the start of a relationship, but if your partner shows a negative response when you prioritize alone time, it raises warning signs.
These actions, whether sulking, using guilt trips, or showing anger, may signal possessiveness. Maintaining your own identity and prioritizing your personal needs is crucial.
Recognizing these red flags isn’t always easy, but it’s crucial for building healthy, lasting relationships. Trust your instincts, pay attention to how you feel, and don’t be afraid to step back if something doesn’t feel right. Your emotional well-being is worth protecting.