Sometimes, you apply for a job or go on a date and there are huge red flags that you should notice, but most people ignore them. Post those here!
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Not liking or abusing animals
I will smack a person when I see animal abuse. Including a woman, tell me I’m wrong.
If your partner is agressive with others or jealous way too easily.
When a friend makes mean jokes about you aka bullies you and passes it off as their sense of humor. I don´t mean playful teasing either- I mean when they basically try to make you feel awful about yourself for fun
Regarding work; ask the boss about employees during your interview - how long have they worked there for example. If people quit after a short time - it should tell you something.
they constantly tear you down, say sorry, then go right back to doing it. this is also a family issue , if someone does this, try to get help :(
If your partner doesn't stop something you specifically told them to
When they put the guilt for a problem they created on you and/or blame their bad actions / decisions on what you did to them to act that way.
Either they want you to feel guilty or push you in a defensive postition to cut off criticism aimed at them
Racism
"There are only two things I can't stand in this world: People who are intolerant of other people's cultures and the Dutch." Nigel Powers.
Going through your phone, it's a complete invasion of privacy
I’m lucky, I don’t care if my wife goes through my phone. I’m golden
People who talk smack about someone and then immediately go hang out with them. High chance that they're doing that to you as well.
When that glass of wine becomes two, then more than two, then you start finding empty bottles in the morning...and they say pass it off as "you had some too" when you know you didn't.
People seem to equate that time passed = being forgiven for being a shitty person. For example people who keep demanding you to lend them money every now and then but don't pay it back.
"He only hit me once/she only hit me once/they only hit me once"
People who are mean or rude to service staff. Weather it’s retail workers or Waiters or waitresses. How someone interacts with others really reveals their true character and how they may eventually treat you.
Red flag on medical personnel: If they don't examine you while paying attention to *your words only*. If they're on a phone or talking to your partner, bail. B/c they're not caring about you.
Dating Red Flag: If the person speaks of their Ex and NEVER says a single nice thing about them.
Be wary of roommates, partners and friends who want to put bills and/or charges in your name and will 'give you the cash' or pay you back. Whether it's utilities or a phone, it's usually a sign they have bad credit if they can't get it themselves. It seems like common sense but it's the #1 thing that people go to court over and it's shocking how many people I know who buy their boyfriends phones or let them borrow some money with the intention of paying it back but never get anything in writing. Make sure you have something in writing. If they refuse to sign it or make a big deal out of it, it's a huge red flag. Same with major business that will only accept cash, like car dealerships. They may be trying to scam you. Make sure money doesn't leave your hand until a receipt is given and make sure that receipt is detailed with exactly what is paid for and how much is left to pay, or paid in full is written on it with the date. A generic piece of paper won't hold up in court. Make sure it's signed and/or has the business letterhead.
Oh f**k. I've seen my exes friends do this to him to the point they screwed up this credit and he ended up getting collection calls. I'll never do this. EVER.
If you have a fight and instead of trying to talk it out and resolve the problem, they throw insults and say mean things just to hurt you. Then when it's over they say "oh, baby, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean those things I said!" Nah, don't believe it, get out while you can.
If they arn't there when you need them, you don't need to be there when they need you.
That might make sense but sometimes people avoid you... not because they don't care but because they don't know how to handle a situation. I have seen this first hand when my husband passed away. They don't know what to say or what to do to make you feel better and that frustrates them. Think about it...
"You take yourself too seriously."/"You can't take a joke."
Especially when they've said or done something to hurt you and are deflecting responsibility.
I've been hearing this since I was a small child from adult men. If you have to tell a five-year-old that she takes herself too seriously and can't take a joke, you might be the one with the problem, bub. These are also usually the dudebros that would interrupt me when I was reading in public to lecture me about being a snob.
They never try to start a conversation with/ask questions about you. They will eventually start ignoring you. (Another red flag for me is when they make fun of peoples(or fictional characters) neurodivergent traits)
That funny smell coming up from the basement...
Nothing is ever their fault, from getting fired to divorces.
This is an enormous, glowing neon, scary red flag and you need to RUN…possibly for your life!
We are from the government, and we are here to help!
Edit. That one is personal.
When partner/friend/family member forces you to wear clothes you don't like/don't feel confortable in because THEY think it looks good on YOU.
If you don't like what you're wearing, then it DOES NOT suit you. YOU, and only YOU should decide if it looks good or not.
Saying (whining), "I need this", when pushing you into sexual acts that you don't actually want to to.
My ex actually yelled at me once "Why do you keep making me feel bad about what I want!" Well, sweetie, when what you want causes me pain and trauma and you force it, yeah, that's sexual assault. So sorry to "make you feel bad" about what would be considered attempted rape in a court of law.
you ask them why they love you. they only say you're beautiful. got rid of him last month when i realised i was a trophy gf. girls and gays, look out.
As far as health care providers, little white lies. They may be small but they indicate a much bigger issue with ethics.
I consider Veterinarians health care workers and I’m sick of the up selling. I take my dog in for an eye infection, before we’re in the waiting room I’m told we will need blood work and observation. They want the bill at 400 before I’m in the little room. 50 dollar eye drops and 200 for a vet to say eye infection. Question treatments, they play off the fact you’ll do anything for your puppy.
If they burn a lot of bridges. I once dated a girl who would permanently cut anyone out of her life at the slightest offense. There was no sense of forgiveness, patience, or giving people the benefit of the doubt. As soon as they said or did something she didn't like, she would chew them out, call them liars and a**holes, and tell them they were dead to her and they should never speak to her again. Of course, to hear her tell it, she was the innocent victim in every instance. She burned so many bridges that she eventually had to move to a different city to get away from all her "enemies"
When he always wants to know where you are and what you are doing. And the reason he gives is that he cares about you and wants you to be safe. No. That is controlling behavior. You don't have to text the minute you arrive or leave somewhere or answer texts within 20 minutes. In a good relationship you trust one another.
When EVERYTHING about their ex(s) is awful. All the while claiming zero responsibility.
They are ALWAYS the victim and/or hero.
Laughing off their words and actions from a fight.
Constant bragging about their brawn and brains.
Expecting "favors" from gifts.
Pretends to like people.
Your job, time, family and ANYTHING else you value is insignificant to them.
Dishonesty, white lies about anything/anybody.
They are are the good child of the family
Superficial~Needs to buy the best even when can't afford
if they make there problems your problems by saying things like
"i thought you cared"
and also if they threatean to hurt you or themselves if you dont continue going out with them
mainly though: if they are really controlling
Your are dating someone who is married or supposedly committed to another person. If they will cheat on their wife/husband/partner, they will cheat on you. You are not special.
Teasing. There is no such a thing as "good-natured ribbing" or "just making a joke" or "having fun". Teasing is - SIMPLY - insulting and degrading another WITHOUt taking responsibility for his or her actions. (Special burning-hot red-flag for parents who tease their children.)
When someone complains that everybody is against them... usually they're the problem.
Paranoia. Maga’s. Conspiracy. 34 ish percent of voters. Like a pebble in the shoe or a splinter in the hand. Just GO AWAY!
When people say’.it was a long time ago’ relating to a bad experience you had in the past. SORRY, if I still remember it as awful albeit ages ago it doesn’t mean we can forgive stuff from so long ago. Love from bitter and twisted.
When they try to take your mental health down with theirs. One of my ex-friends tried to do this to me and my friends. Our entire relationship was like a list of things that makes someone a toxic friend.
I could write a book about this. Just because I tell (said) you, "If you need me, I am here." Does not mean to drop all of your emotional baggage on me, and do not listen to sound advice. Especially without asking me if I am available or how I am doing or never checking in on me. Just always taking and using and dumping (said) your life problems on me...
if they pretend to be intrested but actually dont like you and pretend to date you for a while just so they can go
"did you really think i liked you"
Normalizing getting only the best of grades, no matter what is going on in your personal lives.
In my family, you are supposed to get only A's and B's
When a potential partner is used to having their mum do everything for them.
Oh good lord, are there still people like this? Are there still mums who are coddling the children into useless slugs?
If your new boyfriend wants to spend every waking moment with you and is upset when you spend time with friends w/o him. It's not romantic, it's controlling. Run.
I pray that so many Teens/Young Women see this and have someone tell them this. It would save so many of our Young Women/Teens.
1. Anger over superficial things.
ie. Playing sports for fun, and they keep missing things or "messing up" so they let out a yell, or start berating themselves. It's one thing to check yourself and try to do better, it's another to throw a tantrum and make a spectacle because the strike you tried went out of bounds. If this is how they get mad at themselves over small things, how much worse do you think they will act for the important ones? Do you really think they will be kinder to you than they are to themselves?
2. Making comments about stranger's appearance, and laughing at them because of their weight, or body hair, etc. Why would you want to be with someone who thinks it is not only alright to be so judgmental and hateful, but enjoys it too?
3. Has little patience and empathy. I keep this in mind especially for those who want/plan to have children. I have seen too many parents snap at toddlers, spank babies, say things like, "I told you no!" followed by"do you understand?" The eff? No they DON'T understand. You just hurt them physically, emotionally, and mentally, and they are 2. They don't even know enough words to put a sentence together and you expect them to always remember things you have previously told them? Or to understand every explanation you give them? I could go on and on. It just pisses me off.
People don't realize how toxic narcissistic people can be, and I full-well think people ignore the red flags when they come across one. Narcissistic tendencies of flamboyancy in front of friends. This can be especially when the narcissist is with their partner or kids. They do not want anyone else in their group to get more attention than them. They'll be hyper-expressive, over enunciate their words, speak louder than anyone else in the room, move around a lot, fuss with every little detail, interrupt, direct the conversation to themselves constantly, and not allow anyone else chime in for long periods.
If their kids/spouse, or anyone they use as a scapegoat, tries to join in the socializing the narcissist will snap their name and scold them for trying to have a normal 2 way conversation, leaving guests bewildered and confused, and afraid to speak anymore to that person.
People ignore this red flag and think the narcissist is just trying too hard to be a good host and sociable. At the same time not feeling too good about the visit.
When your partner abuses you and forces you to sexual content. They will say sorry, but they won’t stop doing it. If this happens,
breakup or get divorce papers.
your partner saying, "If you love me, you will do..." so on so forth.
A giant red flag in any relationship, whether it’s with a family member, partner, friend, etc., is that person doing really hurtful things, like saying your a mistake, and then like 5 minutes later after their done talking their like “I love you, you know that?” I’ve experienced that so many times in my life, and I’m honestly really done with it.
Went on a job interview once. As I was talking to them, they suddenly hustled me into a conference room as a woman walked past. They told me I was interviewing for her job, but she wasn’t aware of that.
Needless to say, I intentionally blew that interview.
That was a huge red flag billowing in the wind.
I have two daughters. I have impressed upon them that any potential boy who expresses interest in them must pass the "tion-test". It is a four pronged test. The boy should have an education, occupation, transportation and motivation to be something better than what they are today. A failure in any one prong is an automatic failure of the test and he isn't worth thier time!
I don't agree. At least not all four. Education ✅️ Occupation (one can be inbetween jobs, but still...) ✅️ , Transportation (there are people using public transportation their entire life, depending where you live, so...)❌️ , and if you very much love what you do, are happy with it and good at it, you DON'T have to aspire to be better than you are now! So ❌️ to the last "prong"
Sudden mood swings, gaslighting and dog whistle behavior that are designed to keep you off base and on the back foot. Soon, everything will be "your fault" and they'll need to control you "for your own good".
If your family and friends don't like the guy. A green flag is when you start a new relationship and your family and friends keep remarking on how much happier you are.
If you have a good relationship with your parents and all your other friends get along with them, but your prospective partner is really uncomfortable with the idea of being around them and avoids meeting them or talking to them.
If they complaining about earlier consultants/staff/contractors. Ask exactly why they were not happy with whoever they are complaining about. If the answer sounds like b******t, just walk away.
Commenting on someone’s body
Unless the person is your doctor(or maybe a parent if you’re a minor and dangerous under/over weight,anyone who says anything rude or creepy is usually not the best person.
If the way they say it is rude or creepy then it's WORSE if they're a parent or doctor!
There was this young woman in our circle of friends. She was friendly and we shared many interests. I even found her to my liking for a week or two, but lost any romantic interest as it became evident she didn't share it.
Months later, she secretly fell in love with some guy. In this case, "secretly" meant everyone knew but the guy himself. Every time we met, spoke, texted, she would go on and on about how that guy was the most marvelous, talented, sexy, intelligent, etc.
After five months, she finally found enough courage to tell him how she feels. He just gave her the old "Sorry, I just don't feel like going into a relationship right now. Let's stay friends, and see where this goes."
From that point on, she was ranting about him twice as much. But this time, she was just tearing him apart, as he now was the worst pile of pre-manure-matter ever.
So, yeah, red flag: The way people react to rejection says a lot about their personnality. I sure dodged a bullet there.
There's a song called "Cult of Personality" by Living Colour that basically tells you how people get suckered. I can't believe a metal song from the 80s has more wisdom than so many people today. Google the lyrics and tell me I'm wrong.
The flag of China
"Can-you-please-take-my-shift-or-doing-my-work-you-are-so-good!" Without being paid extra for it.
When your friends don't like them. I'm not saying it's a red flag for the individual people per se, but it's a red flag for the Relationship. Think about it, when has anybody ever married someone their friends hated?
Jaywalking.
If possible, I always cross without making anyone wait. It is safer, too.
They run off 2hen they start to loose in an argument
When you first meet a woman if one of the first questions she asks is "So, what do you do for a living" or some variation on that.
LOL I get where you're coming from, she's only interested in your money, but it's a perfectly reasonable question for anyone to ask when they're just getting to know someone! It's the reaction to your response that matters much more than the question itself.
When someone tells you that you are a negative person and makes you feel like you dont have the right to change or be positive.
Some of the things they say are the reddest flag you can get:
"I always tell it like it is."
"I can be your best friend or your worst nightmare."
"I can't stand people who can't take criticism."
"I am sarcastic. It's just my nature."
"I'm just telling the truth / I'm just being honest."
Yet, people mostly ignore these flags. Instead, they think their honesty is "refreshing." Until they realize they just became one more target for that person's non-stop "honest and constructive criticism."
When problems seem to follow you everywhere… actually, you’re the problem.
Nice! The next time I hear a black family say they have to face racism everywhere they go, I'll send them your quote. Maybe they'll learn something, eh!?