Northern California Dating

What Are Some Red Flags to Look for When Dating Someone New?

By Amy Andersen, Founder and CEO of Linx Dating

Red flags come in all shapes and sizes, from subtle hints that something isn't quite right between the two of you, to more obvious signs that should make you stop and take notice. In this blog post we'll explore some red flags which could indicate trouble is brewing in your budding romance—so read on and arm yourself with knowledge.

Lack of communication 

Effective communication is a cornerstone of any successful relationship. If your partner refuses to share their thoughts and feelings with you, or if they're uninterested in hearing yours, this could be an indicator that the connection isn't as strong as it needs to be for lasting success. Without clear dialogue between partners, true intimacy can’t flourish—look out for signs that conversations are falling on deaf ears.

Always talking about themselves 

A successful relationship requires more than just one person's devotion; both partners must make a conscious effort to be engaged and show respect for the other. If you're noticing that your date talks without pause about themselves, it could be an indication they aren't interested in a balanced give-and-take dynamic where both of you are heard.

Possessiveness  

Possessiveness can be a slippery slope, often disguised as love. From wanting to know your every move and what you're wearing to trying to dictate who's in or out of your life - this controlling behavior needs watching for warning signs that it might turn into something more damaging down the line.

Jealousy 

A little jealousy can be cute, but excessive jealousy is a huge red flag. If your partner is constantly accusing you of cheating or interrogating you about your whereabouts, it's time to reevaluate the relationship. Jealousy can also lead to controlling behavior and can be a sign of deeper issues like insecurity or possessiveness.

A lot of talk about the ex

If your date is constantly bringing up their ex, that's a red flag. It could indicate that they're not over their past relationship or that they're still holding onto resentment. Either way, it's not a good sign for your future together.

Insecurity 

This is one of the most dangerous threats to a relationship, manifesting as jealousy and possessiveness which erode trust between partners. Look for signs like belittling behavior or an overly low sense of self-worth in your spouse - these could signal insecurity that needs to be addressed before it takes hold over your connection with them.

Dishonesty

Trust is a cornerstone of any relationship, and if your partner is constantly lying to you, it's a major red flag. Whether it's about small things like where they were last night or big things like their financial situation, dishonesty can erode trust and make it difficult to build a healthy relationship.

Anger issues

If your partner has a quick temper and frequently loses their cool, it's a red flag. This type of behavior can escalate into physical or emotional abuse and can make it difficult for  your partner to have a healthy relationship.​

Lack of empathy

If your partner seems incapable of putting themselves in your shoes and understanding your feelings, it's a red flag. This type of behavior can make it difficult for your partner to have a healthy relationship and can also indicate a lack of emotional intelligence. 

It's important to be aware of the red flags that can signal trouble in a relationship. Whether it's lack of communication, controlling behavior, or dishonesty, these red flags can be warning signs of an unhealthy relationship. Remember that these red flags can sometimes be signs of deeper issues and that your date hasn’t yet processed or addressed. Just remember to trust your instincts, be honest with yourself, and seek help if you need it, and you'll be able to navigate the dating world with confidence.