These 9 ‘green flags’ in the dating phase say everything about your future
Dating can sometimes feel like a minefield. Besides wanting to know if someone genuinely cares about you, you also need to pay close attention in the early stages to avoid encountering red flags. Ignoring red flags can lead to a toxic relationship in the long run: that's something you definitely want to avoid at all costs. No red flags in sight, but is it still too early to say that someone truly cares about you? Then it's time to discover green flags.
Number 1 & 2: good communication and emotional availability
Having a nice and pleasant conversation is great, and shared humor is one of the most important things for the long-term success of your relationship. But truly communicating and being emotionally available goes a step further. You need to be able to share your life experiences, and your date should also be able to open up and share their stories and emotions.
Number 3 & 4: respect for boundaries and reliability
If you have a disagreement, it should be resolved without blame and manipulation. You respect each other's boundaries, so you have enough space for yourself and feel no pressure to do things that make you uncomfortable. As long as you know your date is trustworthy, and you are sure your emotions are safe, the foundation for a relationship is as strong as it should be.
Number 5 & 6: you are each other's cheerleader and support each other
Whenever something fun or special happens in your life, you want to call your lover and share the good news. You know they will be happy for you, respond enthusiastically, and show support for the things you do or want to do. It feels like you have a personal cheerleader, making you feel confident and secure.
Number 7 & 8: independence and equality
Despite becoming close and wanting to spend a lot of time together, you are still both your own person when you are not together. You not only trust each other, but you are also confident enough to know that you can be without each other. That might sound unsociable, but it’s nice to be able to go out for an evening without receiving 33 messages asking where you are, who you are with, and what time you are coming home. You value yourselves and are equal to each other, which creates a very healthy balance.
Number 9: with humor, you get through the dark days
As far as I'm concerned, this is number 1 in terms of attraction. Because when you can laugh with someone, you immediately see the most beautiful and pleasant side of them: which is important for finding someone attractive. Humor also helps you through difficult times. Even if you have disagreements in your eventual relationship, or go through a tough period due to external factors, humor can provide the relief you need at that moment to come closer together again.
