9 Green Flags in a Relationship
If you are in a relationship, dating, or are hoping to date soon, keep an eye out for some of these “green flags” in your love interest.
The term “green flags” is being used to describe typically healthy traits or behaviors a person demonstrates. Healthy relationships are built on mutual trust and respect and should be filled with green flags. These are signposts that a relationship is headed in the right direction.
1. They are respectful to others, not just friends or family. Pay attention to how they treat waitresses, cashiers, employees, and colleagues. If there is a general sense of respect with others who are not actively a part of their life, this is a green flag.
2. They are willing to communicate their feelings. Basically, you know where you stand with this person. They communicate with their actions and words that you are important to them.
3. They value your feelings, ideas, and interests. Even if you are having a disagreement, they recognize that your feelings are important and deserve to be listened to.
4. They are comfortable with time apart. It can be easy to get lost in a relationship that is fun, strong, and supportive. However, it is healthy to have your own separate identities and to still engage in activities and social time apart from each other. It is a green flag when your partner supports this.
5. They’re supportive. They believe in you! Enough said.
6. They respect your boundaries. When you say no, they don’t argue. When you say you’re uncomfortable, they take that cue and make adjustments.
7. They include you in social activities.
8. They value your input. When making decisions or plans that impact both of you, there is an open discussion. No one bulldozes the other to get their way. When you give your opinion, it holds weight. They care about what you think.
9. They know themselves. It is a green flag if your partner is comfortable being alone, knows what they like and dislike, and can regulate their emotions. This doesn’t mean you’re dating a robot! Being able to regulate uncomfortable emotions shows up by the person’s ability to identify an uncomfortable emotion but not necessarily act on it (i.e. verbalizing anger without blaming others, being disrespectful, shouting) and by recognizing their own needs and tending to them (rest, support from a friend, time alone, therapy, etc.).