Relationship red flags vs green flags

We hear a lot about “relationship red flags”, which are things to avoid in our friendships and relationships. But what about green flags? Knowing what to look for is just as important as knowing what to avoid! These ‘flags’ can either strengthen your bond or create issues that can lead to problems later on. Learning how to distinguish between these flags can help you determine if your relationship is healthy or if it’s time to reevaluate things. Here are some common relationship red flags and green flags that everyone should know about:



Red flags:



1. Controlling behavior - This is when one partner wants to be in charge of everything and decides everything for the two of you.



2. Lies and deception - If you feel that your partner is dishonest or not completely truthful with you, this can be a major red flag.



3. No trust - Trust is the foundation of any relationship. If you feel that your partner doesn't trust you or vice versa, then this can cause a lot of tension.



4. Constant arguments - Every couple argues, but if arguments become a regular occurrence and are caused by trivial matters, this can indicate underlying problems.



5. Negativity - If your partner constantly belittles you or criticizes everything you do, it can wear on your self-esteem.



Green flags:



1. Communication - Open communication is key to a healthy relationship. You and your partner should feel comfortable talking to each other about everything.



2. Respect - In a healthy relationship, partners should have respect for each other’s feelings, thoughts, and opinions.



3. Trust - Trust is essential in any healthy relationship. Partners should be able to trust each other without question.



4. Compromise - When couples have different views or opinions, it’s important to find a middle ground that works for both parties. This means compromise is essential in a relationship.



5. Independence - It’s important for each partner to have their own lives, hobbies, and friends. Having your own space can help maintain a healthy relationship.



It’s important to be mindful of these flags as they are the backbone of any healthy or toxic relationship. When people are in love, it’s easy to overlook these red flags because of the desire to be with their significant other. But it’s important to understand that it is better to spot these issues early on before it’s too late.



A healthy relationship requires both partners to put in effort to create a positive and stable foundation. As a result, if one of you displays the aforementioned red flags, you will need to find a way to overcome these issues in order to achieve a balanced and satisfying relationship.



Moreover, it’s important to remember that one individual can’t fix everything. Both partners need to come together to make it work. For instance, if the issue is that one person has a hard time trusting their partner, it will take work from both partners to regain that trust. One person can't simply decide to trust someone; it’s something that must be earned over time.