Human connection is all we need to survive, as human touch and sense give us the pleasure of feeling loved and fighting all the battles. As long as relationships in all forms bring out the best in us, in some cases they play a pivotal role in making our lives bitter, or, better to say, worse. These are called toxic, but do you know what that means? What is a red flag in a relationship?

Some relationships are not good for us; they change our whole lives for nothing and snatch every inch of confidence that is left in us. It is essential to identify relationship red flags at the earliest possible time before it is too late to live your life peacefully.

With too many questions stuck in your mind, if you are looking to find an answer and have no idea what to do if your relationships have fallen into an unhealthy state, don’t lose your hopes yet.

To shed light on the most misunderstood `topic of the millennial generation, here’s the guide that navigates the common red flags in relationships.

What do you mean by red flags in a relationship?

In the first instance, red flags are warning signs that can alert you to unhealthy or manipulative behaviour.

They are not even recognizable at first—I know it stinks! They are more dangerous when they are not recognizable, as they tend to grow bigger like a volcano only to burst one day. If not identified and taken action on at the right time, your relationship can turn into a big blunder, affecting your mental health and causing you anxiety.

You would be shocked to know that red flags are most often normalized and used in everyday conversations. Toxicity is not only present in romantic relationships, but it can also be present with friends, colleagues, family members, or partners.

However, it is not hard to acknowledge red flags if you care to notice the signs of narcissism, victimization, aggression, or even abusive behaviour. By observing these common red flags and being aware of them, you can save yourself from getting involved in a toxic relationship once again.

So, if in any way you encounter these relationship red flags, it’s best to pause for a moment and observe the other person and yourself, or understand the dynamics between you and your partner.

Sometimes, red flags can also appear insidious and push us to moments of weakness in our lives, making us almost unable to crawl up from them. If we fail to fight against them, these relationship red flags can make our lives a living hell.

Hence, self-awareness is vital to address if you want to overcome the toxic behaviour of another person, as it helps you live a happy life and avoid the obstacle of distress.

Top 9 major red flags to look out for!

Narcissism

Do you know? Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental condition that is marked by self-obsession and a misplaced sense of importance. These are the people who live in delusions. Narcissistic people believe that the world revolves around them. And if anybody doesn’t match their beliefs, the possibility of destruction becomes high.

If you get emotionally involved with a narcissistic or ego-driven person, the warning signs appear to be traumatizing, as their needs will always be considered more important than yours.

Anger-Management issues

Have you ever been with someone who has anger management issues? If yes, I bet you might feel threatened or unsafe during any conflict. And one day you will realize that having a lack of emotional regulation is a definite red flag that needs to be checked right now!

The point is that we all should feel comfortable enough with our partner or friend to share anything or tackle any type of obstacle without any issues. Any man or woman who uses anger as intimidation is one of the straight warning signs of toxic behaviour that needs to be stopped right now!

Co-dependency

Yeah, I know! Co-dependency and then emotional support sound as normal as stepping on your first foot at a lavish restaurant. But co-dependency can be more hideous than accepting those stares that are ready to make you feel awful about yourself.

Co-dependency in a relationship can be a pervasive pattern that can result in emotional exhaustion and elevate your mental load.

Normally, “co-dependency” occurs when two people in a partnership start to rely on each other exclusively for emotional, psychological, or physical support. Sometimes, they start to lack personal space, which affects their individual growth and ability to succeed in their careers or face the challenges of the modern world.

Persistent jealousy

It is quite obvious to feel jealous when your partner or friend is spending a lot of time with others. However, you should know that it doesn’t work as an excuse to express your judgement. You should always consider communicating before reaching any conclusion. Someone who appears to be jealous of your connection cares more about themselves than your happiness.

Gaslighting

Gaslighting is known as a common manipulation tactic and is identified as one of the most common red flags in relationships. It is an insidious form of emotional abuse in which your partner will behave like a manipulator and make you question your sanity or judgements.

Gaslighting can make you feel guilty, regardless of whether or not you did anything wrong. So, if someone is trying to gaslight you, it is time to take a stand for yourself and put a stop to this relationship red flag.

Lack of emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, manage, and express your emotions effectively, both in yourself and in your partner. It assists you in recognizing and comprehending emotions, knowing about behaviour, and navigating interpersonal relationships with empathy and sensitivity. If you feel a lack of emotional intelligence in your relationship, then you must be dealing with many conflicts daily and getting manipulated, or worse, you are going through a situation where you feel empty inside and have no more thoughts left in your mind.

Lack of communication

Yeah! As easy as it sounds, it is the biggest red flag in a relationship. If you are not able to communicate properly with the other person, then you need to think about it. Feelings of confrontation, vulnerability, or losing control can stop anyone from speaking out about whatever is on their mind, but if you cannot communicate openly, then you cannot expect anything. As the first step of a healthy relationship comes with open communication, if you fail to do so, consider your relationship or partnership falling apart.

Lack of social connection or friends

It is easy to believe that not everyone has a huge friend circle. Some people find it extremely hard to connect with others. They could be dealing with social anxiety, shyness, or sometimes their personality as an introvert override all. But not having even a single friend or any close relationships with others can be a red flag for a guy or girl.

This relationship red flag or warning sign can come out as a staggering one, but if your partner’s lack of social connection or friends gives you a sense of belief that something is wrong, you should believe it.

Affecting your relationship with family and friends

For us, it’s our family and friends that play important roles in our lives; they stand with us in every moment from the beginning to the end. But in certain circumstances, if you find your partner getting involved with your friends and family too much, asking you to distance yourself from them, and eventually negatively affecting your relationship, it is advised to take this warning sign seriously, as it can turn out to be a red flag affecting your relationship.

Now what? How are you going to tackle these relationship red flags in your life? Have you ever thought of it? If not, then you do not need to lose control or get anxious by studying the below-listed proven methods.

How you can approach red flags in a relationship?

Yes, you can address red flags in a relationship, and it requires:

Tact: Have a good sense of what to do or say to maintain good relations with others. You should know what you are doing without getting involved with too many emotions. If you can deal with others or difficult issues, you can surely reach anyone.

But never forget to prioritize your own needs first. Always give yourself time and be confident enough to fight all the battles that come your way in your relationship.

Honesty: Be honest with yourself or with your partner, whether you are in a romantic relationship or not. If you cannot address the issues yourself, how can you expect them to be treated? The first step to building a healthy relationship and checking for relationship red flags if any, and to be honest with yourself. If you are experiencing any problems, then talk them out, as this is the only way to keep your relationship alive and going.

Self-care: Do not ever stop taking care of yourself! I know this all sounds alien, but you should never restrain yourself from self-care. Go shopping, watch that movie, plan a trip, and follow the skincare routine that you always miss! You do not always have to depend on your partner. Be brave enough to not rely on the other person and try to control your emotions. One day, you will surpass all the hindrances that arrive on your path to leading a happy life.

Do not run away; address your relationship’s red flags right now!

Addressing relationship red flags is crucial to living the life that every other person dreams of. And it doesn’t matter if you are involved in a romantic relationship, or have a relationship with a colleague in your career.

Identifying and taking action against relationship red flags is essential. Toxic relationships possess the ability to drain our energy and happiness, creating a void. However, we can equip ourselves with techniques to build defense against these detrimental patterns.

Relationships can only be nurtured when there is equality, you are heard, and you get the same love and kindness in return. Things cannot occur when the sacrifice is made by only one. Whether it is about your romantic relationship, the culture in your office, or understanding your friends, having healthy social dynamics is a fundamental part of the human experience. If anyone fails to meet the required standard, immediate action is required.