7 Red Flags in a Relationship To Watch Out For

Oh, where do I even start? I could write a book about all the red flags I saw in people I dated, and all the times I ignored them. I didn’t want to see the blaring red flags that were in front of my face. It was easier to ignore them and continue living a lie in my head. But trust me, you should keep your eyes out for the red flags in a relationship.

Let’s get some things straight. Chewing with your mouth open or wearing socks with holes aren’t red flags. They may be your pet peeves, but they don’t hold power to emotionally and mentally harm you unless you really can’t stand socks with holes.

# They don’t want to compromise

In a healthy relationship, you’re going to have to compromise. But your partner refuses to meet you in the middle. Instead, they stand their ground and refuse to find a happy medium for the both of you. What happens is you end up doing everything they want to do without getting your needs met.

# They never initiate dates

You’re always the one who plans everything. Whether it’s a movie night at home or dinner out, you always need to make the first move. Making plans isn’t easy, it takes effort. If you’re the only one putting in the effort, this is a problem. Your relationship is one-sided.

# They don’t respect your boundaries

Everyone has their own personal boundaries, and the people who know us respect those boundaries. But if this person oversteps the line and doesn’t care when you express your concern, they simply aren’t interested in making you feel safe and secure.

# They don’t want to label the relationship months after dating

You have been dating for months, and you feel the relationship can be something more than just “hanging out.” But they don’t want to label the relationship as anything. Not a good sign. They’re not going to commit to you.

# Someone is keeping secrets

In healthy relationships, you need to be open and honest with your partner. No one should be keeping secrets and lying to one another. So, if you’re finding out they’re hiding things from you or straight up lying to your face, that’s a solid red flag.

# Your friends and family don’t like them

Sometimes, your friends and family won’t like your partner for reasons that shouldn’t be a problem, such as race or religion. But then there are times when your family and friends simply don’t like your partner for their behavior. If this is the case, they’re seeing what you’re not seeing.

# There’s not an equal playing field

You don’t feel there’s equal power between you. Instead, there’s a severe power imbalance, where your needs aren’t being met. You feel more submissive, and your partner has become controlling.