Individuals on social media have been using the term "red flag" more lately. With this trend, "red flag" is used more loosely to refer to concerning behaviors of friends, family, or romantic partners. Recognizing red flags should be easy by now right?
Across social media platforms and amongst young adults, this term is used loosely and sometimes playfully. Outside of social media and this trend, red flags can indicate that you may be dealing with someone who may be abusive or manipulative in relationships.
It is extremely important to know and be able to recognize red flags in romantic relationships. Here is some information and things to look for regarding toxic relationships.
Recognizing Red Flags, What Do They Indicate?
A red flag indicates that your partner may be toxic or abusive. Abuse comes in lots of different forms. The most obvious form of abuse is physical, but emotional, mental, verbal, and financial abuse can be just as harmful.
Physical abuse is the most obvious form because it's easy to recognize, and the pain is felt immediately. This can be any form of assault, like hitting, pushing, kicking, or the use of any dangerous item.
Emotional abuse is damaging behavior that aims to disrupt or manipulate an individual's emotional regulation. Emotional and mental abuse can look very similar, but mental abusers will focus more effort on manipulating their partner's perception of reality or their way of thinking.
Physical Abuse
A physically abusive partner usually starts with small motions that indicate the type of behavior they will have in the relationship, especially in conflict.
Throwing, pushing, or breaking items during conflict or stressful situations is definitely a red flag to be mindful of. Consider what this person may do if put in a more complicated situation.
Emotional Abuse
An abusive partner does not usually start with a relationship with physical abuse. Fewer people would be victims of domestic violence if this were the case. Emotional abuse targets feelings.
The early signs that your partner may be emotionally abusive are very subtle. Love bombing and a hot and cold personality can be an early sign of physical abuse.
Affection may be limitless when the mood is good, but if the opposite is true when the mood is not good, then this may be a sign. In an argument or tough moment, partners should work together to find a solution instead of creating a hostile and cold environment.
The hot and cold personality type also refers to an individual's behavior when they are around others versus their behavior alone.
Relationships that exhibit a lot of controlling behaviors and rules are likely toxic. A controlling partner may not exhibit any other signs of abuse outside of their controlling tendencies, but this does not make the relationship any less toxic.
Some examples of controlling behaviors are only allowing you to see specific people. A partner may do this by making an argument when you're going out or are already out, making themselves purposely uncomfortable around outsiders, or making you feel guilty about having a healthy social life.
Mental Abuse Red Flags
A mentally abusive partner will aim to manipulate, altering their partner's reality and thought processes. An example of this may be your partner excusing their inappropriate behavior or actions by blaming you.
Everyone is responsible for their own actions and emotional regulation. Telling little lies or twisting events upon recalling them is an early sign of mental manipulation. An abusive partner may do this to make you question your own actions and not hold them accountable.
Conflict is a normal part of any relationship, but not being able to resolve conflict is a red flag. Pay attention to how disagreements are resolved in your relationship.
If you are the person compromising and apologizing each time, the relationship may be toxic. It is not normal to not be able to resolve conflict for both individuals.