We've all been conditioned to look for "red flags" in other people when forming relationships...but what about the opposite? What about the good "green flags" we should be keeping an eye out for?
Well, this weekend, when Reddit user cometaurora asked, "What are some huge GREEN flags that are often overlooked?" the answers were wonderfully pure and surprisingly educational.
So, here are just a few "green flags" you should be looking for in your friendships and relationships:
1."When someone is quick to give credit and slow to place blame. It's a great sign that they will celebrate other people, but will also be really kind and benevolent when something bad happens."
3."My boyfriend will sometimes get upset and start a sentence with 'Well, you...' Then he takes a second and starts his sentence over with 'I feel...' — I notice every time he does it and I am trying to do the same."
4."Good communication. Quality communication between two people can be way more important in a relationship than compatibility and is huge part of good chemistry. If you can communicate really well with someone, that is HUGE."
5."When someone admits to their mistake and/or owns up to it, rather than making an excuse for failing. It shows they're trying to better themselves through that experience, and are being positive about it."
8."Always look for sweet, genuine honesty. When my husband and I started dating, I told him in passing I wanted to see a specific movie, so — for one of our first dates — he invited me over to watch that movie. I was a little nervous because I figured he’d meant 'watch a movie...' But, when I got there, he was cooking me dinner, and the movie was all set up on his TV. That was the day I decided to keep seeing him."
12."Asking you how you're doing/feeling. It was weird for me to go from a moderately abusive man (and not even being bothered by it because it seemed normal) to an amazing man (my husband). He asks me how I am and genuinely wants to know. It's done my mental health wonders to know that he actually cares about me, even though it's the smallest thing he could possibly do."
17."I never realized what I was missing until I met my current girlfriend: It's being able to talk about bad stuff. I had a breakdown and apologized for it, and the first thing she told me was to never apologize for 'feeling bad.' Being able to feel bad and not being afraid someone will be any less in love with you because of it is amazing."
18."It's so small, but — when someone asks you if you've eaten today. I know it's super simple, but it shows they genuinely care about you and want to know you're happy and have a full belly!"
19."When someone is friendly whenever they see their exes. Even better than that? Being friendly with an ex they share parenting responsibilities with. I've seen way too many people talk badly about the other parent in front of their kid(s)."
20."Someone who's meticulously careful with a borrowed possession and returns it in pristine condition. It proves that they care about how you'd feel if something was returned damaged."
21."When someone respects boundaries without being TOLD they have to respect them, i.e., the difference between the friendly guy having a normal conversation with you and the guy who is outright aggressively hitting on you."
24."When someone takes care of you in small ways without thinking about it. It's a no-brainer to take care of someone who's sick, but when someone does small things for you every day, it's a big green flag."
So, now it's your turn! What're some "green flags" you try to look for in friendships, relationships, etc.? Help others and share yours in the comments below!
