Red Flag or Green Flag?
Someone you're dating respects your decision when you say you're not ready for physical intimacy. Is this a red flag or green flag?
GREEN FLAG. Respecting physical and emotional boundaries demonstrates consideration, patience, and an understanding of consent.
Someone tells you they're looking for a serious relationship. Besides their words, what should you pay attention to?
THEIR ACTIONS. Pay attention to consistency, honesty, communication, and whether their behavior matches their words. Genuine intentions are demonstrated through actions over time.
True or False: If someone isn't interested in dating you, it means there's something wrong with you.
FALSE. Just because someone isn't interested doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you. Not everyone will be a good match, and that's okay. Your worth doesn't change because someone doesn't choose you.
True or False: It's okay to say NO to someone you're dating, even if you're worried about hurting their feelings.
TRUE. You have the right to say no and establish boundaries. A healthy relationship involves respecting each other's decisions, feelings, and personal comfort levels.
You go on a first date with someone, but you don't feel a romantic connection. They ask you out again. What would you do?
BE HONEST AND RESPECTFUL. It's okay to politely decline another date. You could say, 'I enjoyed meeting you, but I don't feel a romantic connection.' You don't have to continue dating someone just to avoid hurting their feelings.
Someone you're dating becomes upset when you don't respond to their text messages immediately and demands to know what you're doing. Red flag or green flag?
RED FLAG. Expecting constant availability and demanding explanations may indicate controlling behavior and a lack of respect for personal boundaries.
Someone cancels a date because something unexpected came up, but apologizes and suggests another day to meet. Does this automatically mean they're not interested?
NO. Unexpected situations happen. Consider whether the person communicates respectfully, makes an effort to reschedule, and follows through. One cancellation does not necessarily indicate a red flag.
You go on a date with someone you really like, but they tell you they don't feel a romantic connection. Does this mean you're not attractive, interesting, or good enough?
NO. Romantic rejection does not determine your worth. Not everyone will be compatible, and that's okay. Someone's lack of romantic interest reflects their personal preferences or connection, not your value as a person.
You're dating someone who wants to spend every weekend together, but you also enjoy spending time with your friends and family. What is a healthy way to handle this?
SET A BOUNDARY. Communicate that you enjoy spending time together but also value time with friends and family. Healthy relationships allow both partners to maintain their independence.
You've been texting someone you're interested in, but they suddenly stop responding to your messages. What would you do?
AVOID BLAMING YOURSELF. You can choose to send one respectful follow-up message or move on. Someone not responding doesn't mean you did something wrong. Focus on people who show mutual interest and consistent communication.
Someone apologizes after hurting your feelings but repeatedly continues the same behavior. Red flag or green flag?
RED FLAG. A genuine apology includes accountability and meaningful behavioral change. Repeated apologies without change may indicate an unhealthy relationship pattern.
You've been texting someone you really like, but they haven't responded in several hours. You begin thinking, 'They're losing interest in me.' What should you investigate before believing this thought?
FACTS VS. ASSUMPTIONS. The fact is that they haven't responded. The assumption is that they're losing interest. Consider other explanations and look for patterns rather than jumping to conclusions.
You're getting ready for a date and catch yourself thinking, 'I hope they like me. I need to impress them.' What is a healthier way to reframe this thought?
Instead of focusing only on whether they like you, ask yourself, 'Do I like them? Do I feel comfortable being myself? Are we compatible?' Dating is a mutual process of getting to know each other, not an audition for someone's approval.
When dating, what's the difference between something you prefer and something that's a dealbreaker?
PREFERENCE: Something you'd like in a partner but can be flexible about, such as having similar hobbies.
DEALBREAKER: Something you cannot accept in a relationship, such as lying, cheating, or disrespect.
You start dating someone you really like, but you notice you're spending less time with your friends and giving up activities you enjoy. What would you do?
MAINTAIN YOUR INDEPENDENCE. Make time for your friendships, hobbies, and personal interests. A healthy relationship allows you to enjoy being with someone without losing the things that make you happy.
Someone you're dating encourages you to spend time with your friends, pursue your interests, and maintain your independence. Red flag or green flag?
GREEN FLAG. Healthy relationships support individuality, independence, and meaningful connections outside the romantic relationship.
Someone treats you wonderfully when you're alone together but makes jokes at your expense or dismisses your feelings around their friends. What should your dating detective skills tell you?
LOOK FOR CONSISTENT RESPECT. Healthy partners demonstrate respect in private and public. Pay attention to how the person responds when you express discomfort and whether their behavior changes.
You notice yourself changing your personality, agreeing with everything your date says, or hiding your opinions because you're afraid they won't like the real you. What important part of your self-worth might you be compromising?
AUTHENTICITY AND SELF-RESPECT. You deserve to be accepted for who you genuinely are. Changing yourself to gain someone's approval can lead to unmet emotional needs, resentment, and losing touch with your personal values.
Someone you're dating repeatedly makes comments that hurt your feelings. You've already told them how you feel, but they continue doing it. What should you consider doing?
REINFORCE YOUR BOUNDARY AND EVALUATE THE RELATIONSHIP. Clearly communicate what behavior is unacceptable and decide what action you will take if it continues. Repeatedly ignoring your feelings may indicate a lack of respect.
You tell someone you're dating that something they said hurt your feelings. They respond, 'You're too sensitive. You're making a big deal out of nothing.' What would you do?
SPEAK UP AND PAY ATTENTION TO THEIR RESPONSE. You can calmly explain that your feelings matter, even if they see the situation differently. A healthy partner should be willing to listen and communicate respectfully rather than repeatedly dismissing your feelings.
Someone showers you with affection, compliments, and promises early in dating, but becomes distant or critical whenever you establish boundaries. Red flag or green flag?
RED FLAG. Intense affection followed by withdrawal or criticism when boundaries are established may indicate manipulation or unhealthy relationship dynamics. Healthy affection remains respectful even when someone says no.
You've gone on several dates with someone. The chemistry is strong, they're attractive, and you enjoy their company. However, your long-term goals and important values don't align. What should you consider before continuing the relationship?
COMPATIBILITY VS. CHEMISTRY. Attraction alone does not guarantee a healthy or fulfilling relationship. Consider shared values, emotional needs, long-term goals, and whether the relationship aligns with what you genuinely want.
You really like someone, but you notice you're accepting less affection, communication, and emotional support than you need because you're afraid of losing them. How can recognizing your self-worth help you make a healthier dating decision?
KNOWING YOUR WORTH MEANS HONORING YOUR NEEDS. You can care about someone while recognizing that the relationship may not meet your emotional needs. Self-worth involves communicating your needs, maintaining healthy boundaries, evaluating compatibility, and understanding that you do not have to sacrifice your well-being to keep someone's attention.
You're dating someone you really care about, but they repeatedly cross an important boundary you've clearly communicated. They apologize each time, but their behavior doesn't change. How do you know when it's time to walk away?
RECOGNIZE WHEN YOUR BOUNDARIES ARE NOT BEING RESPECTED. Caring about someone doesn't mean you must tolerate repeated disrespect. Consider whether their actions demonstrate accountability, whether meaningful changes occur, and whether the relationship supports your emotional well-being. You can care about someone and still decide the relationship is not healthy for you.
You're dating someone you really like, but you often feel anxious, unheard, or emotionally drained after spending time together. There hasn't been one major argument or obvious red flag. What would you do?
TRUST YOUR FEELINGS AND EVALUATE THE RELATIONSHIP. Take time to understand why you're feeling this way. Consider whether your emotional needs are being met, communicate your concerns when appropriate, and pay attention to patterns. You don't need a major argument or obvious red flag to decide someone may not be the right match for you.