When we talk about those first dates and potential new relationships there are some usual warning signs that you need to watch out for, 10 dating red flags that should send you running. Doing this can save you from an abusive relationship and abusive behavior in the early stages of forming a relationship. Obvious red flags shouldn‘t be ignored. One relationship expert says that in 99% cases, relationships that ended badly were the ones who were full of red flags at the very beginning.
There are many stages of a relationship. An unhealthy relationship can have a very bad effect on your mental health. Of course, there are also some good signs or green flags that you should notice when you’re trying to find out if you’re in the right relationship for you. You need to recognize which partner is good and which one isn’t. Make sure you spend enough time with someone so you can be sure if that person is wrong or right for you.
Don’t make instant decisions and don’t rush. Take time, observe things, and listen to your inner voice. The best way to find an answer for you is to see how you feel with that person. If you feel good near them, then you should take your relationship to the next level.
10 dating red flags
#1 Vulgar behavior/lack of manners
If you’re seeing someone for the first time or a second date, and that person makes comments about your look or anything else in an inappropriate way, that is a big red flag. That can also mean that the person who is sitting in front of you doesn‘t take you seriously. At the beginning, everyone tries to leave a good impression, especially if they like someone. So, if the person you’re dating isn‘t careful with their behavior, maybe it isn‘t the right person who you want to be with.
#2 Too early expressing emotions – obsessive behavior
If the person you’re dating is instantly “in love with you”, love bombing things, it’s probably because that same person is in love with everyone and this is a huge red flag. Yes, it’s someone who desperately needs someone else. For this person, it doesn‘t matter who it’s going to be, so you don’t want to be in a relationship where someone needs you just because they need anyone. If you weren‘t there at that time, someone else would be, and the worst thing is, for that person it doesn’t really matter. So, do yourself a favor and run away.
#3 They don’t put in much effort
Opposite of the previous red flag, if you’re dating your potential partner and they don’t put much effort into the blossoming relationship, this is a sign. Unfortunately the person isn‘t interested in you. Take care of your self-esteem and go away. If you see that person for some time and you aren’t comfortable talking about anything with them, you should leave them.
#4 Childish behavior
If you think that age means maturity, it isn‘t right. Sometimes, people in their middle ages can have really childish behavior. That means that you’ll only have a child next to you who is unpredictable and you’ll have to raise them. That isn’t the job of a partner. So, if you notice that your dating partner isn‘t serious about life, their personal plans, how they spend their free time, what goals and ambitions they have, then it’s time to move on.
#5 Constantly talking about their exes
One of the most common and most repeated out of 10 dating red flags that should send you running is mentioning their ex all the time. That’s a huge red flag and it can also mean that they aren’t over their past breakup. If you notice that they often talk about their exes it’s a big sign that your dating partner is still in love with their ex and they’re just searching for a comfortable or replaceable person to heal them.
#6 Talking bad about their exes
If they’re talking bad about their ex, it means they’ll talk bad about you too if you do the wrong thing. Simple as that, it’s disrespect and lack of maturity. If you realize that your dating partner is talking bad about other people, you shouldn‘t stay in that environment for too long. If someone doesn‘t have respect for others, they won’t have it for you either.
#7 In love with themselves
A narcissist can only be in toxic relationships. Also, they can cause emotional abuse and it can be really destructive in long-term relationships. For sure, a person who is in love with themselves can’t be a significant other. For people who are like that, every person isn‘t good enough for them. A narcissist will wait for every tiny mistake to serve as a cause for them to leave their relationship. They always expect from you perfect behavior and it’s always your fault for everything. In fact, a person like that will always treat you like you’re less worthy. You’re there just to feed their ego and to serve their expectations and fantasies. If they aren’t able to make a compromise, then you should move away.
#8 Jealousy
If the person you’re dating is getting too jealous about random things or situations you get in, that’s a warning sign. You should have your personal space mapped out right from the beginning and you shouldn‘t be too much attached to that person immediately. Sometimes, people who are likely to be jealous can cause physical abuse and anger issues. For sure it is one of the major things on the red flags checklist. Jealousy won’t make your relationship work for a long time and it won’t be a healthy relationship. Look out for this. Look at past relationships, like past romantic relationships, if you notice similar behavior in your new partner. Relationship advice for jealousy is to always get away from a jealous person.
#9 You don’t like their friends
Friends are the mirror of every person, so the same goes for potential partners. If you don’t like your partner’s friends, if you find them very bad and unpleasant, then you should think about your dating partner too. This is because if your partner spends a lot of time with someone, they’re probably similar to them. They share the same way of thinking and they have a similar look at life in general.
Make sure you see how that person is behaving in front of their friends and how they treat you in front of them. When they’re with their friends, you’re seeing their real face.
#10 Playing hot and cold games
If you notice that someone is playing games and goes hot and cold with you, that just isn‘t for you. That childish behavior isn‘t necessary to anyone. Make sure that the person you’re dating is serious and mature. Games will always destroy every relationship and the person who plays them will always lose. If you don’t want to be played, make sure you move away from them sooner rather than later. The right person will show you effort and they’ll be honest with you.
Relationship red flags – 10 dating red flags that should send you running
Relationship red flags are hard to spot. If you’re with someone for a long time, it’s hard to see the bad in that person and you always stick to those good memories and things you had together instead of what’s happening in the present.
Some of the 10 dating red flags that should send you running in relationships include the following.
Bad gut feeling
If you notice that every time you’re with your partner you feel nervous, even if you’re seeing each other every day, it’s a red flag. Something is wrong and your body is signalling to you that you should keep away from that person.
Mostly, our body responds to every situation and things that are going on. However, people are used to verbal communication so people mostly trust only the words of others. Pay attention to the energy and feeling you have inside you when you’re with your partner. It will tell you a lot.
Consuming alcohol or narcotics
This is a really serious topic. If you notice that your partner is consuming an abundance of alcohol or drugs, you should seriously think about that relationship and if you should stay in it. Alcohol and drugs can cause not only a relationship disorder but a personality disorder too. This is a major red flag and it’s not just a trending lifestyle or some social media fad.
It’s reality and you need to face it. For your well-being, think about yourself first and then what you want in life. This isn’t just common red flags or something silly, it’s a serious thing. Talk with someone, talk with your partner. If you don’t see them changing their harmful habits, take care of yourself and do what you need to do.
Disrespect
If your partner doesn‘t respect you and doesn‘t understand you, that isn’t a person you want to share your life with. Respect is one of the most important things in a relationship. This isn’t just one of the 10 dating red flags that should send you running, this is something you should never tolerate for anyone. A person who really loves you and finds you serious, will respect you, your decisions, and your feelings. Make sure that the person who you give your respect and love to will give you the same back. Love is about giving and receiving, don’t take yourself for granted.
Trust
Trust is also a very important part of every relationship. If you don’t have trust in your partner or if your partner doesn‘t have trust in you, that relationship isn‘t healthy or good. Of course, trust is built with time and when we talk about long term relationships, if there isn‘t trust, you don’t need to stay in it. For a peaceful and stable life, you need a loyal partner and someone you can trust.
Of course it needs to be both-sided. If you aren’t comfortable talking about things that bother you or things that you’re worried about with your partner, then you’re maybe with someone who is likely to be manipulative. If you always suspect your partner and your partner gives you reasons to be in doubt, you’re not in the right relationship
Red flags – Notice them or not?
Dating is a process where both partners need to be patient and honest with each other. It’s a stage when you’re learning about that person and you decide if you want a serious relationship with them or not. Red flags are very important as they let you know if you need to move away from a person who isn‘t for you or even for anyone. Those are psychological facts that every person can have and if they have, they aren’t the best material for something serious.
Of course, that doesn‘t mean that you should push away someone just because of one or a few little signs if they have them. Everyone has bad and good things, but if the person is sending you mostly bad signs, you should think about whether you should continue dating that person.
Red flags can only help you to save your emotions and your time for someone who is really for you. Choose wisely and make sure you’re proud of the person you’re sharing your love life or life in general with.
Final thoughts – 10 dating red flags that should send you running
Relationships, dating, and flirting are all fun and exciting things. Give yourself time to meet someone and to really know someone well. You don’t need to rush things or constantly be nervous about every single detail. Relax, and enjoy every date. Even if that person isn‘t for you, it will be a great experience for sure. In the end, it’s important to find a person who is very similar to you. Psychology says that partners who are very similar to each other are most likely to stay together for the rest of their lives.
People mostly think that opposites attract each other. This is true, but this type of couple doesn’t stay together for a long time. Maybe it will be hard at the beginning with a similar person, but after you know each other for some time, you’ll see that you can understand each other perfectly. Most importantly, communication is key. If you can express yourself with someone, talk about everything with them, and receive understanding and words of comfort from them, then you’re on the right way to build something beautiful.
If you notice some of the 10 dating red flags that should send you running, don’t react immediately. Take time, let that person have their own space, and see if the signs are going to repeat themselves. Sometimes people make mistakes because they‘re nervous or they just want to show the best side of them. Be patient and take time to know that person well, it’s the only way you can decide what to do.