Dating red flags are behaviors you observe in someone you just met, or in someone you’re currently dating, which may cause harm to you mentally, emotionally, or physically.  They are not conducive to creating a long-term, happy, sustainable relationship.

These behaviors are often ignored by men and women who are over eager to create a relationship, even when they may bring harm to themselves — – and possibly to others.  The “others” include their family of origin, relatives, their own children, friends, and even coworkers and other acquaintances.

For some reason, the newly dating or those who are highly unaware never seem to see them.  While the red flags are big, impressive, oppressive, and waving in all their glory, they’re still ignored.   I educate my clients to pay attention to the warning signs – and to take action when they observe behaviors which are counter to creating a positive, fulfilling relationship.

What’s your definition of a red flag?  What are some of the red flags you’ve observed in your past relationships or even in your current one?

When you’re dating, it’s important to be aware of red flags – like this one:

He or She Says One Thing and Does Another: Words and Actions Don’t Match:  Yikes!

We all say things on occasion and don’t follow through.  A steady diet of this means something else — lying.  There’s never a place for lying in a relationship.  It’s important to note the degree of consistency
between words and actions.  A healthy person is someone whose thoughts, words, and actions are highly aligned.

Excerpted from Dating Red Flags: What You Need to Know by Tara Kachaturoff.

Relationships are what life is all about. They’re about connecting with others, either on a personal or professional level. The quality of our relationships with others is due, in large part, to the choices we make. While we can’t control or change the behavior of others, we can certainly make personal
choices about who we allow into our lives.

Contrary to what has been said, what you don’t know can hurt you. A failure to understand and avoid red flags can possibly bring harm to you – mentally, emotionally and/or physically. Relationships take a great deal of time, money, and energy. They’re an investment that can bring a lifetime of enjoyment,
companionship, and happiness; however, relationships built in opposition to glaring red flags are often destined for disaster.

Poor personal relationships are often the result of ignoring red flags. Given that, we can conclude we might do better if we paid attention to them. Dating red flags are often ignored by men and women, who are eager to date, and who are fervently searching for the love of their life. They say love is blind. That’s true. Many new to dating or those who are dating again after experiencing a breakup, divorce, or loss of a partner, often fail to see danger signs because they’re driven by other conscious and sometimes unconscious needs and wants.

When you’re dating, it’s important to be aware of red flags – like this one:

He or She Has No Support or Interests Outside of the Relationship

I hope you’re really strong because a person like this will break you.  If your new acquaintance doesn’t have any friends, hobbies, family, or interests outside of the relationship, all of his or her energies and attention will be focused directly on you.  Does that sound good to you?  I hope not!

Excerpted from Dating Red Flags: What You Need to Know by Tara Kachaturoff