Dating in today’s society can be difficult. With so many different ways to say you’re dating someone (seeing, hanging out, etc) it can leave you not knowing if you’re in a relationship. Dating psychologist Madeleine Mason Roantree defines a red flag as ‘something your partner does that indicates a lack of respect, integrity or interest towards the relationship’.
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Madeleine Mason Roantree and dating coach James Preece revealed their dating red flags to The Independent. Here are the four we want to share with you.
They refuse to label the relationship after a few months
We’ll start with the most obvious red flag when it comes to dating. If your partner is still refusing to label your relationship after you’ve been together for several months, this could be a sign of several issues.
According to Mason Roantree, it could be a sign that your partner isn’t ready for a commitment or worse, they may already be romantically involved with someone else.
She told The Independent:
If your significant other seems to avoid any conversations about exclusivity and labels after dating for several months, they are probably not serious about the relationship
Your friends and family don’t like them
Another potential red flag is when your friends or family - those who know you best - don’t like your partner. It is normal that not everyone gets along, but if most of your loved ones only express dislike for your partner and can’t really find any qualities, there could be a reason and it can be worth taking a look at your relationship.
James Preece said:
Sometimes it’s easy to get blinkered and only see what you want to see, but if your family or friends clearly don’t like your partner then you need to understand why.
He added:
Those around you can often see things you never will.
They refuse to comprise
You’ll often hear the advice compromise is key in relationships. It is natural for you and your partner to disagree on things, no one realistically agrees with everything their other half says or does.
However, when a disagreement does occur, often couples will find a compromise which allows both parties to be satisfied. A recent study showed that nearly 1 in 10 couples separate during home renovations. The study also revealed that 15% claimed they were ‘constantly at each other’s throats’.
James Preece explained:
Compromise really is all about not standing your ground and keeping the peace,
It’s all about looking for the halfway point where both parties can be happy. They’re not thrilled, but they’re not disappointed either.
If either you or your partner is unable to come to some form of compromise and refuses to change your stance, you may need to reevaluate your relationship as there could be ‘something very seriously wrong with your relationship’, Preece adds.
They never initiate dates
An important part of a relationship, or the beginning of one, is going on dates. If you find that your partner, or potential partner, never initiates a date with you, it can be a serious red flag. According to Mason Roantree, it suggests that you are in a ‘one-sided relationship’.
She told The Independent:
If you always seem to suggest when to meet, this is a one-sided relationship
It requires you to do all the work.
She then adds:
Someone who is really into you will contribute and be proactive in the relationship.
So if you find yourself with someone who doesn’t initiate any form or idea of a date, it could mean they aren’t interested in you enough to spend time with you or put effort into the relationship.
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