When it comes to relationships, there can be a lot to worry about - but maybe we should count our blessings as some people have issues to contend with before they're even in anything official.
By now, we've all heard of ghosting (or if you haven't, it refers to when somebody disappears with no explanation whatsoever), and it's much more common than it has any right to be.
It happens to the best of us and truly has the ability to leave us scratching our heads - and potentially in floods of tears - as we wonder what went wrong or what we could have done better.
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In reality it's always about the ghoster, not the ghostee, but that doesn't make it any easier in the moment.
It hurts a lot - so it's good to be able to identify the red flags and get out before you're ghosted.
Without further ado... here are the reddest of red flags, according to Poosh.
Cancelling plans
We've all cancelled on a plan in our lives, and it's not inherently a bad thing... but if it becomes a pattern, that's something to consider seriously avoiding. Especially if they show no signs of making new plans and actually sticking to them.
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You deserve better, babe!
Commitment phobia
On a first date, it's pretty good practice to get it all out on the table and discuss your plans for the future.
If they seem awkward about thinking forward, consider this a red flag.
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And if they make all the excuses under the sun about how they just can't possibly commit right now - allow me to show you the door.
Two different lives
Not having friends in common isn't a straightforward red flag as it's always a good idea to mix things up and meet new people - but if you spend time in similar places and don't know any mutuals, that could be a pretty good sign that you have different values and don't align when it comes to other people.
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This is the kind of thing that tends to come up months into a relationship - so it's good to get ahead of the curve on that one sometimes.
They're an avoidant attachment kind of person
We've all been warned about getting involved with avoidants - but there's just something about them in the early days that allows us to get hooked.
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It's 2024 and we're in our self love eras, so we should definitely be looking towards the future more than just allowing ourselves to live in the moment.
While them being flighty is probably entertaining day to day, it could be a huge sign of things to come and it could be worth thinking ahead.
Long replies
Of course, we all have life to contend with and a whole host of things going on - but there's always the ability to text back in a reasonable manner.
If they take an age, or if you find yourself waiting days for a response - they're probably not the one for you.
You carry the conversation
So you got a text back which is brilliant... but you've noticed that you're doing all the work and asking all of the questions.
Somebody being interested in your character is the bare minimum.
Don't compromise!
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Dating, Dating trends
Kya Buller