{"id":60910,"date":"2020-12-30T08:31:25","date_gmt":"2020-12-30T08:31:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=60910"},"modified":"2022-12-30T08:34:45","modified_gmt":"2022-12-30T08:34:45","slug":"relationship-green-flags","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/relationship-green-flags\/","title":{"rendered":"25 Relationship Green Flags to Tell What Healthy Love Feels Like"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Beautiful<\/p>\n

When in a new relationship, we are often quick to notice red flags since we are bombarded with words of caution from all around. It is good to be aware of those potential negative things. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, if we want to know that we found the right person, we need to consider the relationship green flags. <\/span><\/p>\n

The right person for us is not just someone who doesn’t trigger any alarms, rather someone who fulfills certain criteria. Relationship green flags can indicate just that- that our partner shows great potential for a <\/span>healthy long-term relationship<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Before we move on elaborating on the green flags and what they signal, let’s define them first. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>What relationship green flag means?<\/span><\/h2>\n

We all know what red flags mean- potential warning signs that we need to give our attention to so we can avoid some sort of danger. How about green flags in a relationship?<\/span><\/p>\n

Relationship green flags signify signs of a good relationship. They represent symbols of a potentially prosperous relationship that can grow into a long-term commitment and a healthy union. You might say those are moments and experiences that make us state “she’s a keeper” or “he is a keeper”! <\/span><\/p>\n

Ignoring <\/span>red flags<\/span><\/a> does no good, and can lead us into tolerating something we find difficult to accept. The same goes for the green flags. <\/span><\/p>\n

When we ignore relationship green flags, we might end up overseeing signs of a good relationship partner and end up missing a chance to have a committed and conscious relationship.  <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>What does a good relationship look like?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Smiling<\/p>\n

There is no simple answer to this question. It will depend on the person you ask and the time in their life you ask them this. However, some timeless criteria indicate a relationship is healthy and prosperous. <\/span><\/p>\n

Do you feel safe to share your opinion and be vulnerable? Can you ask for what you need and not be frightened of how they will react? Do you feel understood at the end of the talk with your partner? <\/span><\/p>\n

This and many other questions can be translated into relationship green flags to look out for when trying to evaluate if you have a keeper. <\/span><\/p>\n

This list is not exhaustive. However, it can be a good start to get you evaluating and paying more attention to good things, instead of the red flags only. <\/span><\/p>\n

So how to recognize the characteristics of a good relationship and know there are more good things to look forward to in a relationship? What are relationship green flags to keep an eye out for that show things are going very right?<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>25 Relationship GREEN Flags<\/span><\/h2>\n

1. Being yourself around them <\/b><\/h3>\n

Do you feel you can speak your mind without fear of judgment or ridicule? <\/span>Can you express yourself<\/span><\/a> without having to put on a mask or otherwise pretend to be someone you are not? <\/span><\/p>\n

If so, you found someone you can be comfortable around, someone who accepts you for who you are. <\/span><\/p>\n

2. They respect your opinion and views<\/b><\/h3>\n

One of the best relationship signs is respect for each others’ opinions, views, and beliefs. This is a sure green flag. They might not agree with you all the time (as it often happens), but they understand your perspective and respect it. <\/span><\/p>\n

3. You share similar humor<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Loving<\/p>\n

Do you laugh a lot when with them? Do you have fun and time flies by? <\/span><\/p>\n

Although this green flag is necessary for a happy and joyous relationship, it can’t stand alone. It is strongest when combined with other green flags. <\/span><\/p>\n

4. You share the same values<\/b><\/h3>\n

What do you cherish most, and how aligned is it with your partner’s values? What matters most – ambition, honesty, success?<\/span><\/p>\n

If you had kids, would the values you would wish to impart on them be similar to those your partner would strive to convey to kids? Similar or compatible values are one of the most important relationship green flags. <\/span><\/p>\n

5. You feel empowered and inspired<\/b><\/h3>\n

Your partner should be your number one fan. This is not about idealizing you, rather them believing in you and encouraging you to go after your dreams. When you feel like you won’t make it, they are by your side, cheering you on towards the finish line. <\/span><\/p>\n

6. You want the same things from life<\/b><\/h3>\n

One of the things that spell out long-term happy relationships is a shared vision of the future. Do you have similar goals and desires in life? Although it might not be easy to start that conversation, it is essential to know how much compatibility there is.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is one of the must-have relationship green flags if you are both to be happy. Although the vision can change and evolve as you grow and transform together, any forced compromises would make either feel like they are sacrificing too much. <\/span><\/p>\n

7. Making compromises and accommodations<\/b><\/h3>\n

When you are in a relationship that is worth a lot to you, you find yourself wanting to make sacrifices and vice versa. <\/span><\/p>\n

The green flag is the desire to <\/span>accommodate their requests<\/span><\/a> and having them do it for you too, and a red flag would be if you were the only one doing it or it was excessive, and you felt drained.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. You support each other <\/b><\/h3>\n

You feel you can share with them and feel heard, understood, and cared for. They might not know what the solution is, but they are willing to be a part of the search and assist you. Also, they are not trying to impose a solution rather <\/span>giving you the time and space to share unreservedly<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. You grow together<\/b><\/h3>\n

When with them, you feel you are learning, growing, and becoming a better version of yourself. <\/span><\/p>\n

The conflicts or problems you have also bring you closer and help you improve as a couple and individuals. Any <\/span>relationship will have struggles<\/span><\/a>, but what matters is how you go through them and how you come out to the other side.<\/span><\/p>\n

You feel you are growing and, although the growth you both experience differs, neither of you is stagnating.<\/span><\/p>\n

10. You take care of each other<\/b><\/h3>\n

When you are sick, tired, have a migraine or a hangover, your partner is there to take care of you and help you recover faster. When you are at your weakest, they are there for you. <\/span><\/p>\n

Having a partner who is willing to tend to you when you are unwell will mean the world at that moment.  <\/span><\/p>\n

11. You feel appreciated and valued <\/b><\/h3>\n

One of the signs he or she’s a keeper is how they make you feel about yourself. <\/span><\/p>\n

Do they recognize the qualities about you that you like about yourself and that otters oversee? Do they appreciate the things you do for them and make a point of recognizing your efforts? <\/span><\/p>\n

If so, this is a true relationship green flag. <\/span><\/p>\n

12. Needs are being heard and provided for <\/b><\/h3>\n

In a healthy relationship, both partners can express and know their needs matter. You can speak up when you don’t feel happy or fulfilled, and they are ready to hear you out and discuss what can be done. <\/span><\/p>\n

Not to say they will jump right away to anything you ask, but they are going to consider your request because it matters to you. <\/span><\/p>\n

13. You respect each other’s boundaries<\/b><\/h3>\n

Boundaries are important. We put them up because they have significant meaning to us, and they protect us. One of the relationship green flags is respect for each other’s boundaries and limits without pressure or guilting into changing them before we are ready. <\/span><\/p>\n

14. You can openly discuss issues<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"You<\/p>\n

One of the important relationship green flags is that you can talk to them openly about things that bother you without the worry of being dismissed. <\/span><\/p>\n

Can you bring up something that makes you feel vulnerable and exposed? Do you trust they will want to hear you out and address what is troubling you? <\/span><\/p>\n

Unless we talk about things it becomes troublesome to understand the root of the problem, and actually solve it. <\/span><\/p>\n

15. You can rely on one another <\/b><\/h3>\n

Can you count on them to be on time, follow through on agreements and keep promises? Will they be there when you need them? <\/span><\/p>\n

A certain level of dependability is natural and expected in a healthy relationship. <\/span><\/p>\n

16. You can have time alone guilt-free<\/b><\/h3>\n

To have a strong and long-lasting relationship, you each need time for yourself. It should come without guilt for choosing to spend some me-time. When you have this, you can feel free even when committed. <\/span><\/p>\n

17. They take responsibility for their mistakes <\/b><\/h3>\n

Nothing ruins a relationship like the blame game<\/span><\/a> and keeping the score. If they can be accountable for their actions and say they made a mistake, this is one of the relationship green flags and you have a keeper. <\/span><\/p>\n

18. You feel challenged in a good way  <\/b><\/h3>\n

You see in each other the potentials and provide the support needed for it to actualize. You challenge each other to take the next step and follow your passion. They dare you to dream bigger and strive to reach them. <\/span><\/p>\n

19. A genuine interest in the other’s wellbeing<\/b><\/h3>\n

When they say they care, you know it’s not fake. They support it by actions. Plus, they follow up on matters that you shared, and they show up when you are not feeling your best. They want you to feel better, and they are active in making it happen. <\/span><\/p>\n

20. They don’t pressure you into sex<\/b><\/h3>\n

They don’t put pressure on physical intimacy, or emotional, for that matter. They may communicate their needs, but they are not guilting you by doing so or pushing your boundaries. They respect your wishes and give you time when you need it. <\/span><\/p>\n

21. You communicate openly and effortlessly <\/b><\/h3>\n

It feels natural to be around them, conversation flows, and it seems smooth. Also, when you bring up some of the more difficult topics, they take time to listen and hear your perspective actively. In communication, they are clear about their thoughts, intentions, and opinions while respecting yours. <\/span><\/p>\n

22. They are putting in the effort to resolve conflict in a win-win manner<\/b><\/h3>\n

What is their go-to response and defense mechanism when things are not going well? Are they pulling away, ignoring the problem, or trying to resolve the conflict and move past it? Are they concerned about satisfying both sides? <\/span><\/p>\n

If yes, they are showing signs of a <\/span>collaborative conflict resolution<\/span><\/a> style that is closely tied to higher marital satisfaction. Consider this one of the prominent relationship green flags. <\/span><\/p>\n

23. They prioritize quality time with you<\/b><\/h3>\n

When they are planning, do they first set aside time to spend with you or check-in when you are free first? Are they making an effort to find the opportunity, in an otherwise busy schedule, for time together? <\/span><\/p>\n

When they are ready to prioritize your relationship, consider this a green flag. <\/span><\/p>\n

In the video below, Dan and Jennie Lok discuss ways to spend quality time with the partner. They provide a tip that, first and foremost, couples should discuss what quality time means to both of them and find common ground.<\/span><\/p>\n