Red Flags and Green Flags

Instead of searching for a perfect checklist, pay attention to repeated behaviors and how a connection affects your sense of safety and clarity.

Green flags

Consistency, respect for boundaries, curiosity, honest communication, accountability, and plans that turn into actions are generally useful signals.

Red flags

Pressure, repeated dishonesty, requests for money, extreme jealousy, disrespect for boundaries, threats, or attempts to isolate you deserve serious attention.

Context matters

An awkward message is not necessarily a character diagnosis. Look at patterns, severity, and whether someone can hear feedback and adjust their behavior.