3 days ago
Women Are Sharing The 'Green Flags' More People Should Pay Attention To, And I'm Inclined To Agree
As a society, we talk a lot about red flags, but perhaps we should talk more about the green ones. Unlike red flags, green flags are the positive qualities and signs found in a person that signal trust, respect, and support. In r/AskWomen, someone asked, "What's a 'green flag' you wish more people talked about?" Answers poured in. Here's what people had to say:
1."People changing their opinion after receiving new information and admitting they're wrong. It shows great emotional maturity."
— Valuable-Disaster567
"This. Self-awareness and willingness to be wrong were the first things I noticed about my husband back when we were friends."
— Tiny_Jumping_Beans
2."Honestly, I wish more people talked about how great it is when someone genuinely listens without trying to fix everything or jump in with advice. Just being heard with no judgment or quick solutions is such a rare and awesome green flag."
— MeetingContent1947
3."Apologizing because they meant it and not because you called them out."
— Louisianimal09
"Yeah. Saying sorry not just to end the conversation."
— Baby_Driver2945
4."Having cats as pets."
— Cautious_Gazelle7718
"Men with cats are always a good sign."
— ODeasOfYore
5."When someone admits they don't know something instead of pretending they do."
— Flirty_Babe0
6."Gardening. If someone regularly tends and cares for their plants, they're probably a good person overall. They have patience and gentleness. They are constantly learning and adapting. The whole concept of gardening is centered on nurturing life. You can't get greener than that."
— ODeasOfYore
7."Remaining calm and kind when another person is going through something that bothers them."
— askingoutright
8."Silliness. In a world where we're isolated, people are so rarely silly. When I see someone being a goofball or unapologetically themselves, I am enamored."
NBC / Via
— wyomingtrashbag
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9."Empathy."
— SparkleStorm93
10."Being curious."
— Sea_Client9991
11."Recycling. Actually giving a damn about the planet."
— Awesomeandkindaweird
12."Being able to lose a board game (or any game) without getting sour and making everyone else feel uncomfortable."
— natural-lily
"So true. Being a good sport is something everyone should've learned in kindergarten and adults who lack this skill are such a red flag."
— West-Crazy3706
13."Someone who remembers things about you. What you've told them, like if they see you like certain foods or drinks, etc."
— _TwinkleSiren
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14."People who have their own established things, like hobbies, friends, and go-to rituals and places, before you get into their life. They were themselves before they were with you!"
— Intelligent_Tank6969
15."Having friends of the opposite gender."
— estachicaestaloca
16."A good listener."
— MmmBlackCod
17."Tolerance and gently/intentionally working through disagreements instead of immediately cutting people off/out."
— b0x8
18."A willingness to try new things, whether it's food, activities, TV shows, etc. I dated so many guys who never wanted to branch out from what's familiar, and I'm not a spontaneous person. I think someone with an adventurous nature can better roll with the chaos that life brings."
— Tiny_Jumping_Beans
19."Having dogs as pets."
BuzzFeed Celeb / Via
— legendofdoggo
20."Trying to make me feel less shit about a mistake I made. Though I am sorry, I appreciate someone trying to make something not seem like a big deal because life goes on."
— TheStarChilld
21."Communicating their feelings. Being able to say, 'Hey, this doesn't make me feel good,' or, 'what you said made me upset,' is so much better than people shutting down and keeping you guessing as to why they're distant."
"My girlfriend is super good at telling me how she's feeling, and I really like it because I can adjust myself to help her or ask her what she'd like or needs to feel better. Nobody is left feeling like they're misunderstood."
— MarsupialNo1220
22."Being able to adapt to different moods and situations! From silly to serious or difficult situations, dealing with them with ease! Huge green flag."
— Icalivy
23."People who do kind acts behind the scenes without the need of any recognition or credit."
Netflix / Via
— thewinterflower
24."Being kind to children, the elderly, disabled people, and service workers. Being genuine in that kindness with no ulterior motive."
— Loisgrand6
25."People generally appreciate honesty, but nobody talks about how much of a green flag it is when somebody who wants to impress you tells you something that they know will piss you off."
— T-Flexercise
26."Anyone who goes to therapy is such a good sign. I'm a firm believer that everyone can benefit from therapy."
AppleTV+ / Via
— gaz_is_my_hero
27."When someone takes accountability without getting defensive. They listen, reflect, and try to do better without making it all about them. That kind of emotional maturity is so attractive and way more powerful than empty apologies or over-the-top gestures."
— scientist_hotwife
Do you agree? Do you have green flags to share? Drop them in the comments!
Note: Responses have been edited for length/clarity.
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