Entering into a new relationship can be thrilling and full of excitement, but it's crucial not to let those rose-tinted glasses blind you to potential warning signs.
While red flags may be more obvious - and known - yellow flags can be subtler yet just as important. Yellow flags are almost like warning signs, they are not necessarily a deal breaker but definitely something to stop, think about it and see how this may impact your life and a possible long term relationship.
For more guidance on the signs you might be missing, here are 5 behaviors that might be considered a yellow flag in relationships:
Lack of Communication
Communication is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship.
If you find yourself in a new relationship where communication feels forced or one-sided, it could be a yellow flag. Pay attention to how open and honest both you and your partner are willing to be.
Are they (or you) hesitant to share their thoughts, feelings, or past experiences? Do they shy away from discussing important topics? These could be indicators of potential issues down the road.
Unresolved Baggage
It's natural for everyone to carry some baggage from past relationships or life experiences. However, when that baggage starts impacting your current relationship, it becomes a yellow flag.
Keep an eye out for signs that your partner may have unresolved issues or emotional baggage that they haven't dealt with and that could be difficult for you to handle with. This could manifest as excessive jealousy, trust issues, or difficulty committing.
While it's essential to offer support and understanding, it's equally important for your partner to be actively working on resolving their past issues.
They Don't Like Criticism
Constructive criticism is a normal part of any healthy relationship, but how your partner handles it can reveal a lot about their character. If your partner becomes overly defensive or upset when faced with criticism, it could be a yellow flag.
Healthy relationships thrive on open communication and the ability to give and receive feedback without taking it personally. If your partner struggles to accept criticism gracefully, it may indicate a lack of emotional maturity or insecurity.
They Tend To Make The Plans Themselves
In a healthy relationship, decision-making should be a collaborative effort.
If your partner consistently takes control of making plans without considering your input, it could be a yellow flag. While it's great to have someone who's proactive and organized, it's also important for both partners to feel equally valued and included in decision-making processes (specially the ones that involves a big change).
If your partner tends to dominate the planning process, it may indicate a lack of consideration for your preferences and desires.
Disregard for Boundaries
Respecting each other's boundaries is essential in any relationship.
If your partner consistently disregards your boundaries or makes you feel uncomfortable, it's definitely a yellow flag. This could manifest as pressuring you into activities you're not comfortable with, invading your privacy, or ignoring your requests for space or alone time.
Healthy relationships thrive on mutual respect and understanding of each other's boundaries, so don't ignore any signs of boundary violations.
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While the honeymoon phase of a new relationship can be exhilarating, it's important to stay vigilant for any yellow flags that may arise. By paying attention to these signs (and others that might be a yellow flag for you), you can better assess the health of your relationship and address any potential concerns early on.
Remember, it's better to address yellow flags sooner rather than later to ensure a strong and fulfilling relationship in the long run.
