Green flags can be identified in all types of relationships. Whether you’re curious about friendship, relationship, or family bonds, here are a few signs that you truly have found a special someone. If the person displays these 4 signs toward you, it is full confirmation that you both have a beautiful bond. Here are 4 of the best green flags in a relationship!
1. Both of you respect each other’s personal time.
A green flag in a relationship is that you both recognize each other as independent people. By this I mean, you both can live your life without the other, and manage your daily life on your own. Love is the free exercise of choice. Two people love each other only when they are quite capable of living without each other but choose to live with each other.
2. There is no ‘sacrificing’.
In relationships, there tends to be a ‘giver’, someone who puts their partner’s needs before their own. The ‘Giver’ sacrifices their enjoyment, health, free time, etc. just to satisfy their partner in the name of ‘love’.
Love does not require self-sacrifice. You cannot love another person fully if your own needs are not met. In healthy relationships, both parties communicate their problems and needs; together find a solution to make both each other happy.
3. Thoughtful Acts:
A great green flag is that whenever you’re with your partner, you can’t help but smile and feel comfortable. They do small acts of love for you, even when you don’t ask them to. Small acts, such as helping you carry your groceries, opening doors for you, etc.
4. You both encourage each other’s growth:
A healthy relationship has both partners supporting each other. They help each other mutually to grow and improve, giving advice, pushing you to be a better version of yourself, etc. Green flags in a relationship 100% include supporting each other’s goals, ambitions, and dreams. You feel comfortable telling them anything because you know they’ll genuinely support and love you no matter what.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Disagreements in relationships are completely normal. Your partner is different from you, and not an exact carbon copy of you.
So, don’t stress if you disagree about some small thing. It’s a beautiful part of being in a relationship, acknowledging that you both are different people. Disagreements are only toxic when it’s on an extremely personal level. There’s a difference between disagreeing on your favorite ice cream flavors and your core beliefs and family matters.
4. They respect your boundaries:
When was the last time you told your partner you don’t want to do something? How did they act? Did they respect your boundaries and assure you they won’t do it again, or gaslight you?
Here is an example of toxic gaslighting – Your partner takes you to a place where you feel uncomfortable. You openly express your dislike and talk to them about it. Then they tell you that you’re “too much of a coward” or “too boring, you need to have fun”. Then they tell you that you’re being obnoxious and overreacting and that you’re the cause of the problem.
This is abusive behavior. A healthy, strong relationship is when you can openly display your discomfort/problems and your partner understands and respects you, without making you feel ashamed for feeling this way.
