15 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore When Dating
When you’re excited about someone new, it’s easy to overlook things that might be warning signs. You might let things slide, hoping they’ll get better, but ignoring those red flags can lead to bigger problems later on. These signs aren’t just small issues—they can point to deeper problems that could cause trouble down the road. To help you stay safe and aware, here are some of the dating red flags you shouldn’t ignore.
Note: The content of this article does not reflect the writer’s personal beliefs.
All His Exes Are ‘Crazy’
Okay, not many of us like our exes, but why? Someone who cheated on us surely doesn’t deserve our love or admiration, but if all his exes are described as ‘crazy,’ ‘manipulative,’ and ‘abusive,’ he either is terrible at choosing who to share his life with or he may be the actual problem.
He’s Rude
Throughout the date, pay extra attention to how the person in front of you behaves with the waiter and waitresses serving you. Does he thank them? Is he polite when speaking to them and asking questions? Rudeness is never justifiable and should always be avoided.
Unmatching Values
Of course, you don’t have to vote for the same political party. However, if you consider yourself an extreme liberal, you probably will have a hard time dating a convinced conservative. So, check whether your main values match with his.
He Ordered For You
Nothing is worse than a man ordering food for you. This sort of behavior not only showcases his egocentrism and narcissism but also a complete lack of respect for you. Politely decline whatever he orders and get something different. Needless to say, this is the last time he will order for you and with you.
You’re The Only One Talking
While being a bit shy initially is normal, there’s a limit. You surely want to date someone who knows how to have a conversation. Sitting in silence without uttering a single word for hours is simply rude. It is not worth it if you’re the only one making an effort.
He’s The Only One Talking
Contrary to what we just said, you also want to ensure he’s not the only one talking. While you surely want to learn something about your date, if he never asks questions and gives you time to talk, you should probably date someone else. Self-centered men should have no space in their life.
He Rescheduled… Again
We are all busy. Rescheduling a date once is justifiable, but if this happens again, you just show a lack of respect for the other person. Just as you are busy, so am I. So, why are you wasting my time rescheduling over and over again?
Emotional Immaturity
This is another massive flag. But how can you tell whether someone is emotionally immature? Does your partner apologize when he does something wrong? Is he empathic towards you? Does he use silly mind games, for instance, trying to make you jealous? These are all questions to consider.
Addictions
So many women think that they will be able to ‘cure’ whatever addiction their partner has. The truth? You cannot help someone who doesn’t want to be helped. The sad reality is that most people dealing with addiction are not ready to get out of their situation.
Communication Issues
All relationships are based on clear and honest communication. Is your partner good at it? Can he express his feelings freely, or does he tend to hide his emotions? Are you able to face a dispute while maintaining respect for one another?
Codependency
Codependency is one of the main reasons so many relationships fail. While a bit of codependency may be natural in the beginning, in the long run, both people in the relationship need to reaffirm their individuality. Are you your partner’s only source of happiness? This will never work in the long run.
Different Goals
While these questions shouldn’t probably be discussed on a first date, it’s important to figure out whether you want similar futures before getting into something too serious. Do you both want children? Do you want to live in the same country? Do you both want to be in a monogamous relationship?
Lack Of Empathy Or Compassion
Lack of empathy or compassion in a relationship is a significant concern as it indicates a partner’s inability or unwillingness to understand and share the feelings of others. A partner’s lack of empathy often leads to feelings of isolation and neglect, as you may feel unheard and unvalued. Over time, the absence of empathy can lead to resentment and frustration, as your emotional needs are consistently unmet, potentially causing long-term damage to your self-esteem and overall well-being.
Frequent Dishonesty
Frequent dishonesty in a relationship is a major red flag because it undermines trust, which is fundamental to any healthy relationship. When a partner is consistently dishonest, it creates an environment of uncertainty and insecurity, making it difficult to rely on or believe them. Ultimately, frequent dishonesty erodes the foundation of trust, challenging building a stable and genuine connection.
He Has No Ties to His Family/Friends
Not everyone gets along with their family, but if he says it’s because his family was awful but refuses to elaborate, it’s best to ask around to see what’s up. If he has a history of fighting family/friends, it’s possible he’s not who he seems to be and might even be an unreliable person to be around.
More For You
These were a few red flags to watch out for when starting to date. But what if you’ve already been dating for a while? How do you know whether your relationship will fail or you have a bright future in front of you? Here are a few factors to take into account.
This article was first published on the RB ITALIA Blog.
