Recognizing red flags in a new relationship can save you from a lot of heartache in the future! While every relationship is unique, red flags are the warning signs that something is not right. Here are common red flags to watch out for:
Being Closed Off:
If the person you’re dating wants to know all about you but doesn’t really reveal much about them, this is a major red flag and can mean that this person doesn’t intend on building a genuine connection with you!
Disrespect:
Sometimes we overlook these moments, but if you’re finding that your new partner puts you down, teases you or disregards your feelings when you’re out with them or in front of your friends and family; chances are they do not respect you! Respect is one of the fundamental characteristics both partners need for a healthy relationship
One-Sided Effort:
A lot of times in the early stages of a relationship it can transpire that one partner is making a lot more effort than the other. If you’re the one doing all the texting, making plans to meet up and sharing your feelings; your partner might not be as invested in this new relationship as you are.
Lack of support:
Sometimes you may feel unsupported by your partner. You could be sharing a goal that you want to achieve at work and your partner dismisses the conversation or cuts you short to talk about something else. This can make you feel reluctant to share more with your partner in the future.
Trust?:
As we all know, Trust is a vital part of any relationship! If your new partner is questioning the things you say or do and perhaps ask you to explain yourself to them, this is a clear sign that they have trust issues. When this happens consistently, it can affect your self-esteem and is a major red flag!
Arguments:
If you and your new partner are not seeing eye-to-eye about certain issues, this can turn into arguments. When this happens again and again with no resolution it can lead to frustration and resentment, both of which are not going to lead to a healthy relationship!
Different goals for your relationship:
It’s important to have “the talk” at an early stage in your new relationship. The last thing that you want is to waste your time on someone that doesn’t want the same things as you for your future. If you want to cement the relationship and settle down together, possibly even get married but your new partner avoids these conversations or wants to ‘go with the flow’ for now, this is a massive indication that they do not want the same thing as you!
Abuse of any sort:
It may sound silly to point out, but if you are being physically abused this is an obvious red flag! But there are other forms of abuse that are not that noticeable! When you’re in the early stages of a relationship and you’ve got your ‘rose tinted glasses’ on. If your new partner is discouraging you from pursuing your passions, demanding your time, isolating you from friends and family, dictating where you go and who you meet; these are forms of controlling, ‘coercive’ behaviour and isolation. This can also lead to guilt-tripping, gaslighting, or emotional blackmail.
Unhappy in the relationship:
The beginning of a new relationship is often called the ‘honeymoon period’ or a relationship. This is when you are both invested in building a connection with each other. You are excited to meet, you get butterflies everytime you speak to each other and you’re happy.
If you don’t feel this way and you’re mostly feeling unhappy, anxious, or stressed this is a key red flag!
Experiencing any of these red flags in your relationship? Think about whether to invest any more of your time and effort into it. If you are in a potentially dangerous situation, please seek help from a trusted friend, family member, or a professional.
Made My Date offers a confidential coaching service. We help you to move on from unpleasant experiences, and give you the tools to attract a healthy, loving relationship in the future.
For more details go to the Coaching tab of this website or get in touch at info@mademydate.net
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