Some Call It Love, We Call It A Walking Red Flag: 25 Scenarios For You To Judge
“A big deal or am I overthinking?” Not every red flag is obvious. Sometimes it can be something small that you don’t really notice until later. That’s why it is tricky to figure them out.
In this poll, you will go through 25 situations that might be red flags. Or maybe they’re totally fine. Depends on you, really.
So what’s a dealbreaker and what’s just a weird oddity? Let’s find out! 🚩
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They don’t say sorry - they just act like nothing ever happened
I just do the same. Not sorry. He's stingy with compliments as well. So he doesn't get them either. I don't see any benefit in doing things for him that he doesn't do for me. Doesn't appear he notices!!
Saying sorry is just words. I'd rather their actions told me they were sorry
I don't like it, but I'm used to it, and the benefits outweigh it.
Well you shouldn’t be used to it ! learn respect for yourself
Load More Replies...My ex-husband never said sorry. Whenever he did something bad, afterwards he bought me expensive gifts which I didn't really want. But if I didn't act like i was grateful for these gifts I would end up being the bad b***h.
They always cancel last minute, but still expect you to be available
If they cancelled last minute more than once, they wouldn't get another opportunity to cancel on me.
Voting either way because if health or mental issues are driving the behaviour, I give grace. Mostly because I’m mildly agrophobic, I’ll agree to something, even suggesting it in a moment of “I can do this”, then have a panic attack and chicken out. I’m deeply grateful to the friends who understand and still stand by me. It’s not so much expected as knowing these people always have my back. Sometimes it brings me to tears that someone as flaky and undeserving has such wonderful people in my life.
If you cancel on me at the last minute, if it's not a life or death situation, then I won't give you the opportunity to do it again.
They never want to meet your friends
Why should this be a thing? Your friends are your friends, they're not his. I wouldn't force my SO to become acquainted with my friends if she didn't want to, and I wouldn't expect her to do so, either.
It is about NOT WANTING to meet other friends of yours, not necessarily about meeting them. For example if you want to invite different friends these don't want to come because they don't know them and don't want to know them.
Load More Replies...Never? That's not a good sign. I have friends that Mr Auntriarch is very fond of, and others that rub him up the wrong way. The only difference is that he stays in the house when some visit and goes up the shed when the others come to stay. He wouldn't refuse though, or make them feel uncomfortable.
Sometimes it's for the better. None of my friends have met each other.
I learned long, long ago to compartmentalize friends. It's a useful skill.
Load More Replies...This wouldn't bother me. I think it's healthy in a relationship to have your own friends and own interests. You don’t need to be with each other 24/7.
That is a control thing ! Been there lived it for way to long but it’s part of coercive behaviour
They go through your phone “just to check”
Yeah, not cool. Your phone and your computer is yours, and should always remain completely private.
I don't see it that way, it's not a question of privacy or having anything to hide, it's simply a question of trust. There may be many reasons they don't trust you, but none of them are good.
Load More Replies...I would expect someone I trust to also trust me and not want to have access to my phone etc to check on me...
My friends often confide in me through texts. I aren't letting anyone see their secrets.
They'd be out the door as soon as they lifted my phone. That would escalate to holes punched in walls then f**k knows what.
Your phone is a very private thing. I may let you hold it to show you something, but otherwise it stays locked and with me.
This shows complete lack of trust , and or control ! Neither is good
I have nothing to hide on my phone and I STILL wouldn't let my s/o go through it. My texts and pics are my own and I'm entitled to things for myself even in a relationship. If you can't trust me without going through my phone, then we should not be together.
They say all their exes were “crazy”
If they say all their exes were crazy then they either made them crazy or they're a bad judge of character.
Now this is 100% get the f*k away from him !! they ain’t the crazy one HE IS !
they is gender neutral, it can also apply to a woman
Load More Replies...They say you’re “too sensitive” every time you bring up how you feel
People often say this to cover up their own wrongdoings. If someone says this to you then they are invalidating your feelings and they have no respect for you.
I've found that this happens in the run-up to a breakup. All is fine until they decide you're too clingy, too emotional, too needy when these things were not an issue before...
They constantly joke about your insecurities, but say you're “too serious”
You’ve never met a single one of their friends, because they don’t really have any
Ikr lol I’m an introvert, n way to old to care what others think , so if I was to allow myself to meet someone else now ( highly unlikely lol I never leave the house or the village for one thing 😂) why should I care if they are also introverted to suits me ,
Load More Replies...Yeah, I'm an introvert with youth trauma and I will always have a hard time allowing people to get really close. It's hard work for me.
Not in the least bit worrying , I don’t like people either lol n as for friends , I do not have any by choice !! So if they don’t then meh 🤷♀️I don’t blame them
This is not a problem. Not meeting his friends because he doesn't want you to meet them, now that is sus.
I really don't have any friends, but that should only be a concern for me if I find it concerning.
Some people (myself included) just prefer their own company and that doesn't make them a bad person. Maybe past traumas have made them like this or maybe they're just naturally introverted. I have dozens of acquaintances but can count my true friends on one hand. Past issues have given me trust issues and I tend to keep people at arm's length.
I think this is more age dependent. Teen, kinda questionable. Young adult little less questionable. Full fledged adult with a home and responsibilities - not a big deal
Why is it questionable in the case of teens? Is it just because that’s when you had friends? I struggled to make friends as a teenager, yet I’ve built many friendships as an adult. I don’t find it "questionable" if you can't make friends anymore tho.
Load More Replies...They say, “I’m just not a big texter”, and you barely hear from them between hangouts
If the hangouts are quality time, I wouldn't be concerned... No need to be in touch 24-7.
Being on the spectrum it's natural to be on the social awkward side, so if you don't hear from me it just means I'm having a hard time being social.
Texting takes me away from what I'm doing. I talk to when I'm with you. You wouldn't like me texting if we were hanging out, so I'm not going to do it if I'm with others.
Personally, as a female, I am not a big texter, i want face time or at least phone contact but not constant. Also, if it's new, you don't just turn your life and plans upside down, you fit them in on a let's see if this develops level which means you don't just smother each other with fake love bombing.
They low-key make fun of your taste in music, shows, or food
One of the reasons I'm with my wife is because she had some Tull in her collection when we met. And then when I played her Zappa, she didn't run screaming.
Connecting over your musical taste is completely different from making fun of someone else's.
Load More Replies...I think a little teasing is probably fine, as long as it's balanced by a lot of positive comments. He might tease her about liking the Backstreet Boys, and she might tease him about liking the movie Xanadu. But never, ever tease your SO in front of others -- that crosses a line.
Why would you want to ridicule and humiliate the person you love? That is just bullying plain and simple.
It depends on the dynamics of the relationship. I have close friends with whom we love and trust each other enough to playfully make fun of one another. Some people share a dry sense of humor. The key is knowing when it’s appropriate to use it.
Load More Replies...this post was written by like a 30 yr old, y we using "lowkey" 😭 🥀
They ask you for advice and then do the exact opposite
I don't expect people to follow my advice. I expect them not to complain when they do the opposite and backfires spectacularly.
Yea that’s a I told you so moment isn’t followed by it’s a you issue now lol
Load More Replies...Well here's the thing, people ask you for advice to help them make a decision. Regardless of whether they take your advice or not you've helped them make a decision which is the whole point
It used to irritate me madly (I was at the point of telling one particular friend the opposite of what I thought she should do). But eventually I realised that she was just using the conversation to sort her thoughts, and I stopped taking it personally.
Load More Replies...That's when I get to say I told you so and be smug so can hardly be against it.
Advice is what you ask for when you already know the answer but wish you didn’t.
They joke about breaking up anytime there's a disagreement
If it's something really small and silly, either of us might threaten to call a solicitor in the morning, or order a headstone. But it's really obvious that it's not serious.
Yeah don’t threaten me just do one already ! I’d not put up with them saying more than once now , I wised up eventually
My ex-husband did this frequently. At first it used to upset me but then I realised it was just empty words and threats so I didn't give him a reaction. Long story short but on the day I packed my bags and left him he was genuinely baffled as to why. I reminded him of all the times he had said that we were not compatible, should split up, should get divorced, etc, etc and I said, "I don't know why you're so upset. You've got exactly what you wished for."
They’ve never been in a serious, long-term relationship
Gotta start somewhere. Some people need to explore what they want an experience things before they find out who they want to settle with.
Some people take longer to figure themselves out enough to feel comfortable dating.
I’d wanna know why tbh, I’m to old to fall for but your special bs lol so is there a valid reason ie workaholic lol or is he just a bad person as everyone leaves fast
depends alot on how old both of you are i feel, but usually a sign of what to expect either way
And what’s your age limit? My partner had never been in a long-term relationship before we got together. We've now been happily living together for many years. Was I wrong not to take that as a red flag tho? 🙄
Load More Replies...My now husband was the first guy I dated for more than three months. I never stayed with someone if it wasn't working out.
Ha, I always hung on like grim death. Happily single now.
Load More Replies...It would actually be a pinkish flag if they hadn't played the field a bit in their younger days. I know there are exceptions, but generally.
They say they’re “not close with their family” and never really explain why
I wouldn't explain why unless I'm seriously committed to someone. I don't go around explaining my family history
This can be a complex situation. Some people are not comfortable gossiping about their family and problems to someone who's never met them. There could be an array of reasons for not being close with family.
Exactly , some silly some mega bad , it it’s their choice totally
Load More Replies...I despise my family and if someone isn't comfortable dating me because of that they're not worth it.
Depends on their family. FIL was a committed paranoid schizophrenic, BIL was a j****e. Quite happy not to be close to them.
This wouldn't bother me. Families don't get along or stop contact for all kinds of different reasons. I have aunts, uncles and cousins on my dad's side who I have never met because of a huge family feud when I was a baby. My mother used to be close to all of her siblings but now she doesn't speak to her youngest brother. Some families are close, others aren't and nobody should judge.
I would say it could be a sign of a healthy self-love, if someone goes no/low key contact with their family. Depends on the reasons why. I have very little contact with my parents and no contact to the rest, for reasons of protecting myself from harm. That would be the same with people you meet, that are not good for you. You wouldn´t hold up either, if you have a good sense of self-protection. Not knowing the reasons I wouldn´t judge. Could rather be a green flag for a healthy behaviour towards oneself.
Don’t bother me , I was never close to my family quite the opposite after my grandparents I grew up with, it’s their business as to why , n they will tell me when they feel they can and want to .
They avoid talking about the future
That's a timing thing. If they talk about the future too soon: worrying. If they don't talk about the future after being together for a long time: worrying
They always play the victim, even when they’re clearly in the wrong
Another narcissism sign this. They just cant let themselves admit mistakes. Often because it would make their whole rickety self image collapse.
This is a classic narcissist sign. It's always everybody's fault but their own.
They hide behind sarcasm even in serious conversations
Quite so, it's both normal and expected. From both sides in equal measure though.
Load More Replies...I use humour and sarcasm more when I feel uncomfortable in a situation... I'm Dutch and we do this as well as the British.
I'm from New England. Sarcasm is the default way to communicate here.
They make big promises fast, but don’t always follow through
The price of eggs gone down yet, y'all??? The Russian/ Ukraine over in a day? Big promises from a.little.man.
They act differently around their friends than they do with you
Don't a lot of us wear different masks around different groups? I've always been this way -- acting different with friends than with family members, and different with co-workers, as well. But the people I'm closest with (which hopefully includes my partner) see the real "me".
Yeah, me and my husband were goof balls. We never acted/talked that way around our family or friends.
Load More Replies...Everyone does this... Our interpersonal dynamics are different depending on who we're interacting with.
I think it might be a problem, if someone turns into a totally different person. But everyone has it´s own personality, with some people I can be the part of my character that fools around, making silly jokes. With another person I share a part of me that is interested in more serious topics and conversations, another one shares my taste for certain music and TV shows. There are multiple facets in every person, so I share some with one person, others with a different person.
This is your singularly most useful red flag. The others that people agree are "red flags for sure" are truly red flags, but they boil down to do you have the self-esteem to demand to be treated right? Their friends are longer term relationships and they don't want s*x from their friends. (Well, that would be a red flag to most people...) If they're a different person around you, it's because they're putting on a performance.
They insist that you need to share passwords “if you really trust them”
Me and my husband have all of each other's passwords, but we also at an age where talking about what happens if one of us suddenly dies or becomes completely incapacitated is a thing that becomes important. But in a new relationship that is a red flag.
Yes, and it's the "insist" that makes it so. There were loads of occasions, for example when one of us had forgotten their phone or didn't have their computer with them when we might log in on the other's device and share the password. It simply was never a problem, and was quite convenient at times when one or other of us had an official email that the other one was better equipped to deal with,
Load More Replies...The minute the "if you love me" you would do this is uttered - the relationship is ending.
Not going to happen... Especially in regards to matters of financial access. If there is going to be a long term commitment, there would be adjustments- like a shared expenses account. But don't expect to have 100% access to any of my personal accounts (including TV subscriptions).
They say, “that’s just how I am”
They think having separate hobbies or interests is “drifting apart”
If anything it's completely normal and healthy to have separate interests. But it's good to try to take in each other's interests, try it out, observe, try to understand what it's all about.
It's healthy in a relationship to have different hobbies and interests.
If you are both happy with it, no problems. I'm never going to take up the longbow, and Mr Auntriarch has never expressed an interest in belly dancing. But I see chaps who spend all their spare time and money on golf or whatever and think, why did you bother to get married.
Depends on the hobbies and how much a person is into them... Someone who is compulsively into something to the detriment of their intimate relationship, is probably better off on their own.
I would never expect to share everything/every hobby with another person. Everyone comes from a different direction and had a life/personality before meeting me. I need free space from a partner for some time. I do not think it is healthy/possible to find or look for someone who is 100% congruent with me. That is not even possible in my opinion, unless someone totally submits. As long as WHAT you share is enough to be happy together it´s fine.
They always want you to change something about yourself - your clothes, your hair, your vibe
If they need to change people , there will never be anyone as fits their standards 😂 cos men like that or women , will never be happy if they try n do this will they it’s a them issue
Load More Replies...Been there lived it !! n NO ONE CHANGE,S ME NOW , if they don’t like me for me that’s a them problem ! And I’m outta there ,
Don't ever try to be someone you're not to try and please someone else.
I'm interested in personal change and open to suggestions, but don't expect to control me or my decisions... I wouldn't do that to someone I cared about.
They expect you to read their mind instead of just telling you how they feel
This can be cleared up by having an honest conversation about communication styles and needs...
If you're being off with your partner and finding fault with everything they do instead of saying what's on your mind, don't be surprised if they draw their own conclusions and start treating you the same, distancing themselves from you or ending the relationship.
They’re super into conspiracy theories and think you should be too
Because some of the people responding are also conspiracy theorists.
Load More Replies...I love conspiracy theories, but I don't take them to heart. For me, it's just fun. I'm talking about JFK, the moon landing, Marilyn Monroe, that kind of stuff. Now, if I find out the other person is on the dark web and part of the Qanon s**t, bye, bye.
I guess it's a meeting of minds if you are also fond of conspiracy theories.
Judging by the discussions I've seen on YouTube big time conspiracy people are quite nasty and willing to attack their opponents verbally when questioned. Especially when their theories are shown to be... problematic. Let's be nice. Many of the big guys also run all kinds of gifts on their followers and advise them to distrust their own family and friends. So rather cult like behaviour.
dont you believe in witchcraft and crystals? doesn't scream 100% sane to me either.
Load More Replies...A woman I had an intermittent relationship with started explaining how there is a group of J3ws that even the H3ws no nothing about that started the H*******t - this was only the tip of the iceberg, her theories got worse from there. At first I thought I could speak with her and help her understand where she is going wrong (okay, I was h***y) but not a chance. She ghosted me so I did not have to do anything
For me this is about as serious as being into a TV show or a sports team.
If you look up some discussions on the Internet you'll find out it always ends with it warping their lives as they start to distrust anything that does not fit their pet theories. Including family, feelings and any actual evidence their growing delusion is false. See flat earthers or anti vax proponents f.i.
Load More Replies..." They hide behind sarcasm even in serious conversations " - are they or are they not British? 😉
Yeah, there should be a "British exception" because I swear they can't speak otherwise 😂
Load More Replies...What kind of quiz is this? I thought it would be a mix of good and bad, but many of these are bad.
Right. Some of these are like pants-on-head stupid if you don't pick "red flag".
Load More Replies...Anyone who voted for the last one of each should NOT be in a relationship
I am concerned for those that would let everything slide and are totally blind to what are giant glowing red flag events.
" They hide behind sarcasm even in serious conversations " - are they or are they not British? 😉
Yeah, there should be a "British exception" because I swear they can't speak otherwise 😂
Load More Replies...What kind of quiz is this? I thought it would be a mix of good and bad, but many of these are bad.
Right. Some of these are like pants-on-head stupid if you don't pick "red flag".
Load More Replies...Anyone who voted for the last one of each should NOT be in a relationship
I am concerned for those that would let everything slide and are totally blind to what are giant glowing red flag events.
