8 DATING RED FLAGS YOU NEED TO LOOK OUT FOR
8 DATING RED FLAGS YOU NEED TO LOOK OUT FOR
When you first start dating someone, it's important to keep an open mind. Sure, you don't like how they cut their toenails in bed or leave dirty dishes in the sink like they're putting on a show, but these aren't deal-breakers.
True dating red flags are a little more complicated than simple behavioural quirks.
They're more nuanced than ever in today's love-at-first-swipe culture, where apps and social media have revolutionized the way we communicate.
They don’t want to label the relationship after a few months of dating
After a few months of dating, they don't want to label the relationship.
If Shakespeare were still alive today, he might be able to assist us in deciphering the ever-evolving language of love.
Unfortunately, the famous Bard died in 1616, leaving us to our own devices to decipher lexical ambiguities such as "seeing someone" and "hanging out."
We now live in a world where there are a plethora of non-committal and somewhat meaningless words to describe one's relationship.
You don’t feature on their social media accounts after a few months
If you or your partner are not on social media, or if you only use Instagram to follow cat fan accounts, you can probably ignore the following.
If your partner uses Instagram/Twitter/Facebook religiously and has a history of featuring exes on their profile, Mason Roantree warns that if they haven't posted about you yet, it's bad news.
They never initiate dates
It may seem simple, but sticking one's neck out to make a plan is crucial when it comes to dating, according to Mason Roantree.
“This is a one-sided relationship if you always seem to suggest when we should meet,” she explains. “You must complete all of the tasks.
"A person who is truly interested in you will contribute and take an active role in the relationship."
Being proactive is appealing; however, sitting back and letting someone else do all the legwork while you enjoy the benefits of not having to lift a finger is not.
There’s a power imbalance
According to dating coach James Preece, dating is about working together to support one another equally. He believes that being in a happy relationship should feel like being part of the best kind of team. Consider it a red flag if it doesn't, and it appears that one of you is constantly exerting control over the other, who is more submissive, he tells The Independent.
He explains that “signs of a power imbalance can take the form of jealousy or controlling behaviour.” “Both can easily lead to the end of a relationship, so deal with it as soon as possible rather than burying your feelings.”
One of you is keeping secrets
We're not just talking about having a weakness for marmite-dipped pineapples. If you or your partner is keeping something from each other, it will inevitably cause damage to your relationship at some point, according to Preece.
“We don't have to tell our partner everything we're thinking. However, if one of you is hiding something important from the other, it will be a problem because keeping secrets can interfere with your happiness, and the fear of being ‘discovered' can lead to paranoia and arguments.”
They won’t compromise
It's a given that you and your partner will never agree on everything. According to a recent study, nearly one out of every ten couples split up during home renovations, with 15% claiming they were "constantly at each other's throats."
However, for a relationship to thrive, learning to find a middle ground and ways to compromise on key issues is critical.
If you and your partner are having a difficult time compromising, or if one of you refuses to budge on a particular issue, there may be something very "seriously wrong" with your relationship.
Your friends or family hate them
If the people closest to you dislike your partner, it's a clear red flag, according to Preece.
“It's easy to become oblivious and see only what you want to see, but if your family or friends clearly dislike your partner, you must understand why.”
Of course, not all families are happy, and some people simply do not get along. However, if you begin to receive more negative feedback from your friends and family, you may want to reconsider your relationship.
