GREEN FLAGS IN RELATIONSHIPS

Being in a romantic relationship can be so exciting! It is an opportunity for you to connect and learn the qualities of someone’s world! Being able to identify certain characteristics that can be considered a green flag can offer insight into what a healthy relationship might entail. Green flags in the dating world are often talked about in reference to red flags. Of course, these two identifiers are not mutually exclusive however, they can play key roles in identifying possibly unhealthy relationship patterns. But, in this instance we are referring to green flags. It is a behavior or personal quality that can indicate whether the person you are with can provide you with a healthy, mature, and desirable relationship. Additionally, it can also help know which qualities you are fond of and which ones you might want to avoid, and how to reflect and better yourself to display these approaches.

Listed below are some general green flags or signs that the person you are with makes for a great partner in the long run:

- They Respect Your Boundaries:

Everyone has particular lines that they establish themselves, and it is important that you can communicate that with your partner, and they respect them. If your partner is inquiring about your boundaries, you should be honest with them because it is a sign that they have an appreciation for your individuality.

- They Know How to Express Their Feelings and They Are Empathetic Towards Yours:

A healthy relationship needs two people who are more than willing to recognize their emotions and what the cause of it was. This is a great sign of someone who has a high emotional intelligence level. Being able to communicate is so important for a healthy relationship, and being able to talk freely in a productive and healthy manner is essential to really any significant relationship.

- They Have a High Self-Awareness:
It is a great quality if someone can demonstrate true self-awareness, especially in the modern world of dating. They should be aware of their emotions, behaviors, hopes, dreams, fears, and other patterns. It is okay if they are not aware of some qualities but the important thing is that they are willing to learn how to better themselves. In addition, a person who can spend the time to self-reflect on their experiences and try to better themselves, is an intentional and thoughtful person.

- They Are Actively Engaged in the Relationship:

This quality should be relatively simple. Your partner should make efforts to increase growth within the relationship. This includes a range of things like making plans, texting you back, calling you, or showing a truly active interest for you and compassion towards your relationship. Of course, this quality should always be 50/50 within a relationship!

- You Argue/Fight Fairly:

In any relationship, there will fights or arguments. And it is very telling whether or not you are arguing in a healthy manner. You should know each other’s boundaries and you should not cross them; each person should be able to state their case in a well-mannered fashion, and they should be listened to.

- They Treat Others Well Too:
Kindness should not only be exclusive to your relationship. Your partner should be kind, caring, and compassionate to everyone who is involved in their life—family, friends, and more. How they treat others can very well dictate how they will treat you.

- You Both Have Your Own Lives:

In a healthy relationship, you should be able to feel like you have your own life, without it being separate from your partner. They should encourage and value individuality and independence, because they won’t be there for every little thing that happens within your life. Your partner should support your personal growth, friendships, hobbies, and other activities outside of your relationship.

Although, being in a relationship is exciting, it can also be difficult. However, knowing useful identifiers to search for in the very beginning of a relationship can save you a lot of hurt down the road. These signs can be a tool to work towards in order the have growth in your relationship. Relationships are fun and exciting, but they should also be caring and compassionate, all of which these signs can help with!

Words by: Erica Benton

Sources:

Kelly Gonsalves. 16 Green Flags To Look For in a New Relationship, Mind Body Green,

Amanda Chatel. 8 Relationship Green Flags You Should Definitely Pay Attention To, Self

Photos: Pinterest