Dating is great – until someone drops a habit that screams RUN. Sure, we all have our own quirks, but some habits aren’t merely “quirky”; they’re huge, waving red flags that you can’t ignore. These are the little things that start as “huh, weird” and end at “OMG, I need therapy.” If you’re dating (or thinking about dating), watch for these little red flags that say more than they mean. Because sometimes it’s not a bad day – it’s a bad person.
Overly Jealous Over Nothing
A little bit of jealousy is cute, sure. But if they freak out because you greeted the barista, it’s not adorable – it’s hidden control. This kind of jealousy will only go so far as checking up on you, accusations, and isolation. If they’re already going through your phone, you’re essentially in a crime documentary waiting to happen.
Talking About Their Ex Constantly
One mention? Okay. Casual comparison? Annoying. If they’re doing a TED Talk on their ex every time they’re grabbing coffee with you, guess what – you’re dating their past. It’s a flashing neon sign of unresolved baggage. And if they’re BS on and on about “We’re still friends”? Translation: “I’d go back if they made one phone call.” Huge red flag.
Always On Their Phone
If your date can’t hang up the phone, guess what? They aren’t here with you. Scrolling through texts while you speak screams, “I’ve got better to look at.” Sure, we all check texts, but when someone behaves like they are on a third wheel with their phone, it’s not adorable – it’s disrespect. It begins as an addiction. It ends with years of feeling overlooked.
Overly Negative About Everything
The restaurant is terrible. The waiter’s slow. The weather’s too hot. If they’re already complaining about all this on date number three, imagine what’s gonna happen in year three. Negativity’s contagious, and hanging around a complainer sucks the energy out of your body.
Love-Bombing Too Hard, Too Fast
Flattery is nice. But “you’re my soulmate” on date one? RUN. Love-bombing is complimentary at first, but it’s really manipulation with glitter. They turn the love up, then withdraw it later, and you’re hooked on the highs. Healthy love develops slowly. Fake love blows up fast and then Poof… gone!
Dodging Serious Conversations
Try to discuss emotions, the future, or even what the relationship is, and they vanish quicker than your paycheck at Amazon. If someone evades all in-depth conversations, it’s because they don’t want to be emotionally intimate with you. A good partner does not ghost once things get deep – they lean in.
Talking Down to Service Staff
This one’s big: observe the way they treat waitstaff, bartenders, Uber drivers. If they’re rude, condescending, or just plain entitled, it says it all about their character. Wake-up call: if they’re rude to strangers, they’ll eventually be rude to you. Never go out with someone whose “please” and “thank you” are conditional.
Checking Out Other People… in Front of You
We get it – we all “look” at pretty people. But when their head is spinning like an owl throughout the dinner, that is not “looking” – that is plain disrespect. When they can’t keep their attention on you when even appetizers have not yet arrived, think how committed they will be when temptation really arrives. Spoiler alert: they won’t.
Never Taking Responsibility
If every bad thing in their life is someone else’s fault, buckle up – you’re next on the blame list. People who dodge accountability usually have zero interest in growing. Instead of “I messed up,” they say, “My boss is evil,” or “My ex was crazy.” If they can’t own a mistake, don’t expect a healthy relationship.
19 Signs Your Spouse May Be Falling Out of Love
They still kiss you goodbye, but is it out of habit? Love doesn’t erupt in a bang—it fades, slowly, silently, in ways you don’t always notice until it’s too late. If your gut is telling you something’s wrong, pay attention. Here are 19 unexpected signs your spouse might be falling out of love.
19 Signs Your Spouse May Be Falling Out of Love