The human connection is an important part of our lives. Feeling loved and connected improves our mental health. Most people are unaware that they are in an unhealthy relationship and accept it as is, believing that is how relationships are supposed to be. But not every connection improves our lives. These red signals are not visible at first, but when you begin a relationship and progress past the honeymoon stage, you get to know them and their true personalities show. Red flags in relationship can be found not only in romantic relationships, but also in friendships, workplaces, relatives, and family.

Some partnerships could be healthier for us. They harm our well-being rather than improve it. Some can even be dangerous, therefore, it’s important to understand the red flags in relationship.

What are the red flags in relationship? How do you identify them? And, most importantly, what should you do if your relationship has become unhealthy?

Red Flags in Relationship

Overly controlling behavior

Overly controlling behavior is a common red flags in relationship. People who try to control your movements, decisions, or beliefs care more about what they want than what is best for you. This includes who you see, what you dress, where you go, what you eat, and even your physical appearance. While you may believe it is natural to tell your partner what you are doing daily, this is controlling if they begin to expect you to ask their permission to do things. 

A healthy relationship involves compromise and understanding of differences. No one individual has control over the other’s behavior.

Lack of trust

Trust is the foundation of a healthy relationship, and while trust must be built, a relationship should not begin with a complete lack of trust. If your partner is continuously accusing you of lying or cheating on them, it means they don’t trust you or are controlling. Some of this behavior may not be deliberate or spiteful, but rather a learned method or habit of coping. However, being outright lied to is an obvious choice. 

A person who refuses to accept responsibility for their actions lacks integrity and disrespects their relationship. It is not natural for your partner to search through your phone, know your location, and be upset with you for not telling them everything. Trust is a vital basis. Of course, everyone has doubts from time to time. However, they shouldn’t stop us from trusting the people in our lives to do the right thing. Healthy partnerships require trust on both sides.

Excessive jealousy

It’s natural to be jealous when your partner or friend spends much time with others. However, it is no reason to let it alter your judgment. If your partner is jealous of your social life or you interact with someone of the opposite gender, this could be a red flag. A little jealousy is OK because it shows that you care and are attached. However, if it becomes out of control and causes your partner to continuously question you and your actions, it is a significant red flag. 

Healthy relationships are characterized by mutual trust and understanding. Even if your partner hangs out with someone of the opposite gender, you have radical honesty and confidence in each other.

Gaslighting

Gaslighting happens when your partner repeatedly manipulates you into feeling you are to blame. It is an insidious type of emotional abuse in which the manipulator causes you to question your sanity or judgment. Your partner is not flawless, and they may be at fault at times; nevertheless, if they make you feel awful for criticizing them, this is a red flag.

Healthy relationships are characterized by open communication and a lack of accusations. Victims of gaslighting are made to feel guilty even if they did nothing wrong.

Lack of communication

Every connection is built on extreme communication. Sometimes it’s important to discuss tough topics, such as worries, insecurities, or childhood behaviors. Instead of escaping from them, discuss it with your partner. Because failing to do so will have major consequences for your relationship in the long run. 

Often, when it appears most vital to be open and honest, they emotionally remove themselves, leaving their partner hanging or struggling with a situation alone. Communicate with them, even if it’s a minor issue, to build trust and understanding. If there is no communication and your relationship is based primarily on assumptions, disputes are bound to occur, which will quickly become a red flag.

Financial manipulation

Financial issues can cause major stress in relationships, but they should be handled with transparency and fairness. The financial manipulation by a partner, including limiting access to money, hiding financial information, or forcing you into bad decisions, is a red flag. A healthy partnership involves honest discussions about money and shared responsibilities.

Abusive behavior

Abuse, whether physical, emotional, or mental, is a clear indication of a problematic relationship. Physical violence is easier to identify and encourages you to go right away and never look back.

However, emotional and mental abuse can be just as harmful in the long run. And, like physical violence, mental and emotional abuse can result in PTSD.

Anger Issues

Everyone gets angry at times; it’s a natural human emotion; however, if your partner is frequently flying off the handle at any disagreement, this is a significant red flag. You should be able to talk with your partner, especially about difficult matters, without fear of them yelling at you, storming out and slamming their door, or giving you silent treatment because they disagree with anything you said or did. This may make you feel afraid to share anything with them.

Conflicts happen in healthy relationships, and there may be a minor raising of the voice at times, but there is open communication, and the partner does not intentionally intend to harm or insult the other.

Lack of Support for Your Goals

A helpful partner should encourage your growth and goals. If your partner constantly criticizes your goals, rejects your dreams, or shows no interest in your achievements, it’s a red flag. Healthy relationships involve mutual support and encouragement to pursue personal goals and objectives.

Lying and arguing

No relationship will survive if it is built on lying. Lying and a lack of trust are signs of a non-serious relationship. If you learn that your partner is frequently dishonest, maintains secrets, or lies about major issues,

Arguing in relationships is normal, but not to the point where you constantly fight and disagree with them. If you and your partner are often arguing over little matters and there is no mutual understanding, this might gradually become a dating red flag.

Yellow Flags in Relationships

Yellow flags in relationships are not particularly scary, but they have the potential to become so if left unchecked. They are not major obstacles in a relationship; but, if not healed or looked after, they can become a severe problem. Yellow flags in your relationship may not be a concern for someone else.

• They talk to their ex.
• They are unable to tolerate criticism.
• They create assumptions.
• They don’t become vulnerable.
• They make all their plans without telling you.

These are a few examples that prove that even if they are major issues, they may be resolved if you communicate with your partner honestly and without filters. No relationship or partner is perfect; we are all works in progress, so rather than ending a wonderful relationship, talk to them and help them.