People talk about red flags to beware of in relationships, but what about the green ones?
Source: Unsplash There are some signs many people give off that prove just how great they are and what amazing friends, partners, and colleagues they’d be. Before you invite someone into your life in a meaningful way, keep your eyes peeled for these green flags. They’ll let you know what a great relationship you have in store.
1. They respect your boundaries without question.
When you say no to something, they don’t try to change your mind or make you feel guilty. Whether it’s not wanting to go out on a Friday night or needing some alone time, they accept your decision without pushing back. It’s clear that they respect your autonomy and understand that your needs are just as important as theirs.
2. They’re genuinely happy when you succeed.
When you share good news, their face lights up like it’s Christmas morning. They don’t try to one-up you or brush off your achievements. Instead, they’re right there cheering you on, maybe even more excited than you are. This kind of sincere support is rare and valuable — it means they’re secure enough in themselves to celebrate your wins.
3. They apologise when they’re wrong (and mean it).
Source: Unsplash We all mess up sometimes, but not everyone can own up to their mistakes. If this person can say “I’m sorry” without making excuses or turning it back on you, that’s a huge green flag. It shows emotional maturity and a willingness to take responsibility for their actions. Bonus points if they actively try to make amends.
4. They remember the little things you tell them.
Source: Unsplash You mentioned once that you love a specific type of chocolate, and months later, they surprise you with it. Or they remember your gran’s name and ask how she’s doing. Their attention to detail shows they’re truly listening when you speak and that they care about what’s important to you.
5. They’re kind to service workers.
Watch how they interact with waiters, shop assistants, or taxi drivers. If they’re polite and respectful, even when things go wrong, it’s a good sign of their character. It shows they treat people well not because of what they can get from them, but because it’s the right thing to do.
6. They’re open to changing their mind.
If you have a discussion and present a different viewpoint, they actually listen and consider it. They’re not stuck in their ways or afraid to admit when they’ve learned something new. This level of open-mindedness is vital for personal growth and healthy relationships.
7. They’re reliable and keep their promises.
When they say they’ll do something, they actually do it — no flaking out at the last minute or constant excuses. Their reliability shows that they respect your time and value their commitments. It’s a foundation of trust that’s essential in any relationship.
8. They encourage you to pursue your passions.
Instead of being jealous of your interests or trying to compete with them, they actively support your hobbies and goals. They might ask questions about your latest project or even offer to help, which shows they want you to be happy and fulfilled, even if it doesn’t directly involve them.
9. They’re comfortable with silence.
Not every moment needs to be filled with chatter. If you can sit comfortably in silence together, whether it’s reading books or just enjoying a quiet moment, it’s a good sign. It shows a level of comfort and understanding that goes beyond surface-level interaction.
10. They’re honest, even when it’s difficult.
They don’t shy away from tough conversations or tell white lies to avoid conflict. Instead, they’re upfront about their feelings and thoughts, even if it might be uncomfortable. After all, honesty builds trust and shows they value the relationship enough to work on getting through the tough times together
11. They show interest in your friends and family.
They make an effort to get to know the important people in your life. They remember names, ask how they’re doing, and genuinely try to connect. It’s clear that they understand that these relationships are part of who you are and that they want to be involved in your whole life, not just the parts that directly include them.
12. They respect your time and energy.
They don’t expect you to drop everything for them or demand constant attention. They understand that you have other commitments and responsibilities, and their respect for your time shows they value you as an individual with your own life, not just as an extension of theirs.
13. They can laugh at themselves.
Source: Unsplash A good sense of humour, especially the ability to laugh at oneself, is a great quality. It shows they don’t take themselves too seriously and can handle life’s little embarrassments with grace. Plus, a bit of self-deprecating humour often goes hand in hand with humility and self-awareness.
14. They’re curious about your thoughts and opinions.
Source: Unsplash They ask questions about what you think and genuinely listen to your answers. They’re interested in your perspective, even on topics they might know a lot about, and their curiosity shows they value your mind and want to understand you better.
15. They’re willing to compromise.
Source: Unsplash+ In any relationship, there will be times when you don’t see eye to eye. If they’re willing to meet you halfway and find solutions that work for both of you, it’s a great sign. It shows they value the relationship more than always getting their own way.
16. They bring out the best in you.
Source: Unsplash After spending time with them, you feel good about yourself. They encourage you to be the best version of yourself, not by pressuring you, but by inspiring you. You might find yourself wanting to be kinder, more ambitious, or more adventurous because of their influence. This positive impact is perhaps the biggest green flag of all.
