We all know about red flags. But what about yellow flags? They’re signs that something could be fishy, but could also just be a wrong place at the wrong time type of situation. A yellow flags are warnings, but not dealbreakers in and of themselves. They require a look at the big picture to figure out if they’re really a reason for alarm, but they should be looked at. These are some of the most common ones that might warrant a conversation.
Yellow Flags
- They were previously married. (Again, not a complete dealbreaker, but how you found out also matters. Did they tell you or did find out over social media?)
- They’ve never been in a committed relationship. (Again, maybe okay, but this is probably something you should explore a bit before you commit.)
- They’re unemployed. (Have they always been unemployed? Are they truly in between jobs, are they relying on family money, or are they a little short on ambition?)
- They’ve been fired…a few times. (This one probably requires a conversation. Is it an attitude thing? A money laundering thing? A sexual harassment thing?)
- They don’t have close friends. (Maybe fine! Maybe weird.)
- They have way too many friends. (How are can they be close to this many people?)
- They come home at all hours of the night. (Maybe it’s their work schedule!)
- They take forever to respond to texts. (Could be fine, but communication is key in any relationship. So where are they all the time?)
- They don’t always respond to your texts, period. (Could be fine, could be something to bring up.)
- They don’t remember what you tell them. (Rude, and potentially concerning.)
- They forget plans you’ve made. (Prioritizing is important, but also maybe not a total dealbreaker.)
- You know nothing about their family. (What’s going on there?)
- They say unsavory things about their ex(es). (Can’t trust it, but maybe you can?)
- They don’t celebrate you. (Gifts aren’t everything, but if they don’t acknowledge your birthday, get you a card, buy you flowers sometimes…question that.)
- You bicker a lot. (Maybe it ignites passion in each other, but maybe it’s a sign of something unhealthy.)
Yellow flags may look slightly different for everyone, but these are just a handful of examples that really might make you stop and consider what’s going on between you and your partner. These are simply examples of a few things that are bothersome — if your relationship gives you pause over more than a few of these, it may be time to take a step back or have an honest conversation and make a choice that will ultimately be best for you.
