"RED FLAGS" simply put are warning signs in a relationship that there might be unhealthy patterns and behaviors between you and your partner. If you know you are in a relationship, already married or about to enter into a relationship, paying attention to red flags is of utmost importance. Love and Lust has clouded some people sense of reasoning, so much that they can't pick up on the red flags in their relationship. Some even see the red flags and don't even know that they are red flags. However, this blog post will help you know the few red flags to lookout for so that you can proceed with caution or cut things off immediately if necessary.

6 Red flags to look out for in your romantic relationship

1. Frequent lying: If you notice that your partner frequently lie, that's a red flag. These can be small lies, like being dishonest about their whereabouts__ or big lie, like not telling how much debt they are into, family backgrounds, genotype, etc. Frequent lying and dishonesty cannot help build a solid foundation in a relationship, rather, it will make it difficult to build or even destroy the one already built. Don't settle for a dishonest partner.

2. A lack of healthy open communication: If you are in a relationship that you can't express your feelings and emotions because of fear of criticism or judgement, then, you're in an unhealthy relationship. As partners in a romantic relationship, communicating openly and healthily will help you avoid running into problems. Effective communication is the foundation of every relationship and it has its benefits in the long run. If your partner turns to blaming or expressing emotions in an agressive way, he or she is exhibiting ineffective communication and that's a red flag.

3. Lack of support: If your partner doesn't actively show support for you or your relationship, this could be a red flag. To maintain stability in a relationship, commitment and support is needed. It's not just about you wanting the relationship to last, it's more on you putting efforts in your attitude and behaviors that shows you support them and the relationship.

4. Constant put-downs: Are you with a partner that constantly criticize you or put you down with mean words either in a subtle or agressive way ? That's a "Red Flag" and can even count as an emotional abuse that can affect your self-esteem. It can also lead to feelings of anxiety and insecurity in the relationship. Here are some examples of what "putting down" looks like

✓ "You can't do anything right

✓ Wow! You look terrible! Don’t come close to me!” followed by, “I’m just joking!

✓ "You sound so ridiculous when you try to be funny"

✓ "You're lucky am still with you because you will never find anyone better than me"

Some people might accept these comments as joke or constructive criticism but that's a wrong mindset, the way you are being addressed can be your reality over time, if precautions aren't taken. So if you notice this in your relationship, it's important you address it early, if they refuse to take responsibility or show a willingness to change, it might be time to reevaluate the relationship.

5. Excessive jealousy and controlling behavior: If your partner is a very jealous person, that could be a "Red Flag". Most times, jealousy leads to controlling behavior. A very jealous partner can suffocate you with excessive calls and texts, and try to control what you do, who you talk to, where you go, etc. A very jealous partner will not want you to have any social life outside your relationship which is not healthy. Excessive jalousy decreases the quality of a relationship, it can harm the relationship. Be careful out there!

6. Lack of emotional intelligence: Emotional intelligence  is the ability to perceive and manage the emotions of oneself as well as others. People with low level of emotional intelligence are unable to understand your feelings, let alone, empathize with you. If you're in a relationship with someone like this, there are tendencies that there will be a lot of unnecessary conflicts and forms of manipulation because they lack the knowledge to manage their (your) emotions and feelings.

What should you do when you notice "Red Flags" in your relationship: 

The first thing to do is to talk about it with your partner. Have an open and honest conversation with your partner, express your concerns and feelings and give room for them to also express and explain themselves. In doing this, do well to keep your emotions in check, your needs in mind and communicate clearly and often.

Dear reader, when you see a "Red Flag", don't wait for too long, handle it early, honestly and fairly.

Thank you for reading through. If you find this post insightful, let me know in the comment section. Do well to also like, and share with your loved ones ❤️.