8 Green Flags to Look Out for in Dating

We always hear about red flags in the dating space. What is a red flag, exactly? It’s a warning sign that your date might be problematic or toxic and unsuitable for a serious relationship. If someone you’re dating exhibits negative behaviors, you proceed with caution –– or run for the hills.

But what about green flags for relationships? What makes a date an enthusiastic YES and not a definite NO? There are specific green flags to look for in a man or a woman; they can act as a go-ahead signal. Green flags are dating positives you might notice early on that let you know this person might be a desirable partner for a healthy relationship.

Everyone interprets what is and isn’t acceptable, and we all have our preferences. But there are some surefire green flags for relationships that I think we can all agree on as dating positives.

Green Flags to Look for in a Man or a Woman

Let’s get to the good stuff! If you want to know what green flags for guys or girls to look for in your dating life, you have to focus on what you want just as much as what you don’t want in a romantic partner. The following green flags for relationships let you know there’s potential, and you might want to pursue something serious with this person.

leading to a successful partnership that’ll last.

point to good dating ideas that 

They Treat You and Others with Kindness

This might sound like the bare minimum, but you’d be surprised how many people accept less! Someone who cares about you and your feelings will be kind. Even if you argue, they won’t mistreat you or call you names. They’ll treat you well no matter what. This kindness should extend to other people in their lives, too, like family, friends, and even cashiers and servers. Showing kindness is one of the most telling green flags for guys or girls. 

They’re Upfront with What They’re Looking For

Someone who knows what they want falls into the category of green flags for relationships. If they’re upfront about a relationship or something more casual, you can easily avoid friends with benefits, hookups, or situationships. When you have the talk about defining the relationship after a few weeks or months of dating and they’re open and honest with you (and don’t waste your time!), that’s one of the green flags to look for in a man or a woman.

They Consistently Show Interest

You want someone who makes plans with you, suggests good dating ideas, and shows an active interest in pursuing the relationship further. They aren’t afraid to show they’re into you and won’t give you mixed signals. If you want a serious relationship, you and your date have to want to take things to the next level –– and act like it. When looking for green flags for guys or girls, someone who isn’t flakey and actually does what they say is a huge indicator they’re interested in moving your relationship forward. 

They’re Good Communicators

This is one of the most important dating positives to look for! You want a partner who’s not just an active listener but who calls or texts you –– instead of playing waiting games. When someone listens to your needs and wants, it fosters a deeper level of emotional intimacy, especially in the early stages of dating. That’s why one of the best green flags for relationships is someone who communicates with you regularly and effectively to keep momentum going. 

They Accommodates Your Needs

The ideal partner puts in effort to meet your needs –– and recognizes that what worked in past relationships might not apply to their new relationship. They’ll make sure to go at a pace you’re comfortable with and will never pressure you to do anything you’re not comfortable with. Being able to communicate and accommodate boundaries within the relationship is integral to a compatible partnership –– and always one of the top green flags to look for in a man or a woman. 

They’re Not Afraid to be Vulnerable

Being able to talk about their feelings is one of the most crucial green flags for relationships. You want a partner who can open up and be vulnerable. A healthy relationship requires both parties to be aware of their emotions and form a secure attachment. But if you’re dating someone emotionally unavailable, it’ll be challenging to develop the kind of intimacy you need for a long-term relationship. 

They Show Stability

If you’re on the lookout for green flags for guys or girls, make sure the person you’re dating is stable. How? This can look a few different ways. Have they had three different jobs in the last year? That’s probably not a stable person, and they might not be a good candidate for a long-term relationship, marriage, or life partnership. Is their behavior hot and cold? That rollercoaster of emotions might be exciting initially but isn’t ideal in a serious relationship. 

They Work on Bettering Themselves

Wanting to improve themselves is a huge plus and one of the major green flags to look for in a man or woman. You want someone who accepts their shortcomings and doesn’t get defensive if they receive criticism because no one’s perfect –– especially when we’re all trying to navigate the dating world. A relationship should absolutely involve growing with one another and changing for the better. 

Always Look for Green Flags for Relationships

I know it can be discouraging to go on date after date with no connection. Catching all those red flags and dealing with no chemistry can be exhausting! But when you move past the negative and look for the positive traits in someone, you can refresh your dating mindset. It’s even easier if you stick to your standards and only accept the green flags for guys or girls! That’s when you’ll see results! 
Need some extra support on your path to finding love? Heart Appeal offers personal relationship coaching from experienced experts to help you navigate the modern dating world. Become a member today!