Latest news with #redflags
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
You've Heard Of Red Flags, But Here Are 10 'Pink Flags' To Pay Attention To In Relationships
People often talk about 'red flags' in the world of dating and relationships. These are signs that you and your partner are not compatible, or toxic behaviors and personality traits that you want to avoid. But there's also such a thing as 'pink flags.' 'Pink flags are those things that you notice, that nag at you,' said Tracy Ross, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in couples and family therapy. 'Maybe the first or second time you push them away, but after a few times, you begin to pay attention and ask yourself, 'Is this a flag that could be a deal breaker, or am I imagining it or overreacting, or is this something that can be addressed?'' Pink flags tend to be more subtle and less serious, but they can still pose some risk to a relationship. 'I think it's important to be mindful of pink flags, or points of anxiety in your relationship, but use them as opportunities to grow together and individually,' said Alysha Jeney, a therapist and owner of Modern Love Counseling in Denver. 'Don't ever dismiss your intuition, but also try to sit with it to be sure you aren't making assumptions or projecting onto your partner.' Although pink flags can vary from person to person and relationship to relationship, some occur more frequently than others. Below, Jeney, Ross, and other relationship experts break down 10 examples. 'If you've never argued before or don't argue really ever, this can be a 'pink flag,' because oftentimes it can be an indicator of both parties not being authentic enough in the relationship, and/or willing to be vulnerable enough to truly grow within the relationship,' Jeney said. She emphasized that arguing is not always a bad thing, and that couples need to learn how to deal with conflict effectively in order to have a successful relationship. 'It's a pink flag when difficult or uncomfortable conversations are avoided,' Ross noted. 'At first it seems like you are just having a good time, and then you notice you check yourself before bringing up something that could be tense or create controversy.' Instead of avoiding problems and letting them fester, try addressing them head-on and learning to communicate through difficult situations together. Otherwise, this pink flag may turn into a red flag. 'A potential pink flag might include a difference in how you express affection and want to receive it,' said Rachel Needle, a licensed psychologist and the co-director of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes. 'If you are someone who really enjoys physical touch like holding hands, kissing, and embracing often, and your partner does not, this might be OK for you in the beginning while you have all these other exciting and intense emotions, but not feel as good as time goes on and your needs remain unmet.' It can be helpful to learn and talk about your respective 'love languages' to understand the best ways to show each other affection. This might also be an opportunity to discuss expectations when it comes to communication. Damona Hoffman, an OkCupid dating coach and host of 'The Dates & Mates Podcast,' noted that many people want to communicate with their partner throughout the day. 'One of the most common topics I get questions about on 'Dates & Mates' is texting,' she said. 'For some people, daily texting is an imposition; for others, it's a red flag if they don't hear from their partner every day. That leaves us in pink flag territory where we might read it to be a sign of a relationship roadblock, when our partner simply has a different way of communicating or comfort level with constant connection.' 'Not sharing about what came before you, or who is in their life, might be a pink flag,' Ross said. Sure, it's natural to want to know all about your partner's life and experiences, and learning this takes time. But perhaps you feel like they're intentionally keeping information from you. 'If you sense your partner is hiding something from you, this can be a pink flag that needs some special reflection to help you identify whether or not you are being a bit too cautious from a past experience, or if you have valid reasons to explore further,' Jeney said. 'Your intuition is important, but sometimes it can be misguided if you aren't sure where it is coming from.' She recommended taking a moment to journal and ask yourself if you remember having similar feelings in a past relationship and if you might be projecting that experience onto this one. 'If you aren't sure, then simply talk to your partner about your anxiety without being accusatory,' she advised. 'Maybe it's just that you have a need or boundary that isn't being addressed. Maybe they have a need or boundary that isn't being addressed. Talking to each other can clear all this up, and if it doesn't, this may turn into a full-blown red flag.' 'If you find you are not sexually compatible, that might be a pink flag,' Needle said. 'Not all sex is spectacular at the beginning of a relationship, as it often gets better as we get to know someone and feel more connected and comfortable.' Pay attention to whether the issues are a matter of newness and simply needing to learn each other's turn-ons and desires, or if it's a longer-term concern. 'If after some time it hasn't improved even after communication, or there is sexual incompatibility i.e. your sexual preferences or styles don't align, this could create a much bigger issue moving forward,' Needle said. 'We can consider lack of consistency a pink flag because it could indicate that they are not reliable, possibly cheating and/or not being honest,' Jeney said. 'Most oftentimes, though, it could mean that your partner is human and just trying to do their best in navigating their own life and stressors. Sometimes they aren't able to be consistently open, happy, patient, available. Sometimes they are defensive, withdrawn, inattentive.' Other times, however, a lack of consistency might be a sign that something is off or there's a bigger issue at play. Your partner might be sending you unclear signals, or their ways of expressing affection or connection might be all over the place. 'Maybe they won't touch you in public but are all over you in private, or the opposite,' Ross said. 'Maybe there are boundaries that give you pause or make you uncomfortable, or they're not respecting your boundaries, only their own ― double standards.' Jeney recommended having a conversation with your partner with the intention of 'checking in,' rather than coming at it from a place of suspicion. Ask if they're doing OK, and if they feel comfortable sharing their concerns with you during stressful times. 'These questions are important to answer before jumping to conclusions and making more issues in the relationship than necessary,' she said. 'Another pink flag might have to do with distraction from technology and inability to be present,' Needle said. 'If your partner is constantly distracted with checking their phone, computer, or even watching television, especially during conversation or even sex, this could lead to a bigger issue if not discussed early on.' Be mindful of the different ways you both interact with technology and social media. Perhaps one of you posts photos of the other, or of the two of you as a couple, but the other never does. Consider whether this contrast bothers either of you, or is an indication of bigger issues beneath the surface. 'It can be a pink flag if you are seeing someone for several months with regularity and they won't define the relationship, [or] you find that you are not talking about what you want in a relationship,' Ross said. 'Maybe you are getting signals from the other person that they are just having a good time while you are looking for something more serious.' Perhaps the person you're seeing tries to avoid meeting or spending time with your friends and family. Again, it's important to feel open to communicating about the bigger picture of what your relationship is, and what it means to both of you. This kind of avoidance can be a sign that you're on different pages. 'Feeling emotionally safe in a relationship is essential for the relationship to be healthy, grow, and thrive,' said Sarah Weisberg, a licensed psychologist and founder of Potomac Therapy Group. 'We feel emotionally safe when we are respected, heard, validated, and supported in our relationships. Emotional safety happens when our partner makes an effort to understand and prioritize what matters most to us.' She noted that this should be reciprocal in all relationships, whether between friends, family members, or romantic partners. Anything that reduces a sense of emotional safety can be a pink flag. 'It could be forgetting to ask about your partner's big work presentation, failing to truly consider your partner's point of view on an important topic, not keeping your word, putting your needs ahead of your partner's, snapping, interrupting, leaving your partner hanging, rejecting bids for connection, etc.,' Weisberg said. 'A pink flag becomes problematic when emotional safety is compromised and there is not swift effort to repair the hurt.' You might find yourself in a relationship with a person who has a history of cheating, lying, or betraying. Or perhaps you have had this experience in the past. 'If your partner has been vulnerable enough to disclose to you that they have had a past they aren't proud of, you should appreciate their honesty first and foremost, because obviously we all have pasts and behaviors we have had to learn from,' Jeney said. 'Although your partner is being forthcoming and you feel they have changed, this could be considered a 'pink flag' to just be aware of.' She recommended giving your partner the benefit of the doubt and trusting them as much as you can without judging them for their past behaviors. 'But at the same time, be cautious of any potential patterns that show up in your relationship,' Jeney added. 'Time will naturally reveal if this is their character, or if these past experiences were, in fact, mistakes that you both have to let go of.' You might also want to pay attention if your partner is very close to their ex. Needle noted that this doesn't have to be a negative thing, depending on the nature of the relationship. 'If it is an unhealthy relationship filled with co-dependency and emotional lability on either side, or if there are unresolved feelings, this could create an issue in your relationship,' she explained. 'There need to be boundaries with any relationship, but especially with an ex-lover.' Relationships inevitably evolve over time, but some of these changes can be pink flags in themselves. 'Maybe you've stopped being intentional,' said Liz Higgins, a relational therapist and founder of Millennial Life Counseling. 'You're not putting intent into dating, nurturing your relationship, checking in with each other. Or your physical relationship has changed in [a] noticeable way. This wouldn't necessarily be a negative, but I see [it] as [a] 'pink' flag because it may represent a transition or impasse that is happening that you could benefit from talking about.' Addressing the changes, whether they're temporary or longer-term, can help bring you and your partner closer, and prevent the pink flags from turning pink flags have you noticed in your past relationships? Let us know in the article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
15 Red Flags You're Wasting Time On The Wrong Relationship
Relationships can be the ultimate double-edged sword: they either lift you up or drag you down. While everyone wants to be in love, sometimes we find ourselves stuck in a relationship that's more of a time-suck than a source of joy. Maybe you're thinking, 'Is this all there is?' If you're on the fence about your relationship, here are some red flags to look for. Trust your gut; it's usually right. Every time you find yourself making excuses for their actions, it's like adding another straw to the camel's back. You might say, 'They didn't mean it,' or 'They're just stressed,' but deep down, you know that a pattern is emerging. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned psychologist, notes that dismissing problematic behavior leads to emotional distance, an early marker of relationship failure. When your partner's actions become a puzzle you have to solve daily, it's a sign that you're pouring energy into an unsolvable mystery. Think about how often you've had to defend them to your friends or family. If your circle is seeing red flags and you're providing a laundry list of justifications, you might be in denial. A relationship should empower you, not leave you playing defense every time someone questions your integrity. It's not your job to be their PR manager; they should be able to stand on their own. Remember when you had dreams and ambitions that didn't revolve around someone else's needs? If pursuing your goals feels like a guilty pleasure rather than a priority, it's a glaring red flag. Your partner should be someone who encourages you to chase your dreams, not someone who feels threatened by your success. When your aspirations seem to have shrunk to fit their comfort zone, it's time for a reality check. Consider how often you've postponed plans or shifted priorities to accommodate them. This might be a subtle drift, happening over months or even years, until one day you wake up and wonder where your ambitions went. A healthy relationship should be a partnership where both parties are thriving, not just one person. If you're not growing, you're stagnating, and that's not a place you want to be. The irony of feeling isolated when together is both striking and painful. Loneliness in a relationship is like a silent scream, and ignoring it doesn't make it disappear. According to a study from the University of California, feeling connected in a relationship significantly impacts your mental health and overall well-being. If your partner is in the room but feels miles away, you need to re-evaluate what you're truly getting out of this partnership. When every shared moment feels strained and conversations lack depth, it's like living in a perpetual state of awkward silence. You deserve a partner who truly sees you, not someone who makes you feel like an afterthought. Real intimacy is about being known and cherished, not about proximity. Don't settle for the façade of connection when there's no substance behind it. Being in a relationship shouldn't feel like navigating a minefield. If you constantly edit yourself to avoid conflict or keep the peace, it's a major red flag. This kind of environment breeds resentment and stifles authenticity, making it hard to truly connect with your partner. When you're more concerned with keeping them happy than being true to yourself, you're sacrificing too much. Constantly predicting their reactions can become mentally exhausting. This isn't about being considerate; it's about living in constant fear of triggering an unwanted response. Relationships are about sharing your life with someone, not tiptoeing around their sensitivities. If their mood dictates your behavior, it's time to reclaim your voice and stop living in a state of anxiety. Your friends can be your relationship barometer, offering insights you might overlook. If the people who've supported you through life's ups and downs have reservations about your partner, it's worth listening. According to psychologist Dr. Lisa Firestone, friends' opinions often highlight blind spots in your own perceptions. Don't dismiss their concerns outright; they might see the cracks forming before you do. Sure, you might think they don't see the whole picture, but ask yourself why their opinions are unanimous and unwavering. When your friends are vocal about their concerns, they're doing it because they care about you, not to sabotage your happiness. Your social circle should be a safe haven, and if your partner disrupts that, it's a sign worth heeding. Ultimately, a partner who isolates you from your friends is more controlling than loving. If 'I'm sorry' has become your mantra, something's off balance. When apologies come more naturally than expressions of joy, it's a sign you're taking on too much blame. A healthy relationship thrives on mutual respect and understanding, not one-sided guilt trips. If you find yourself constantly in the wrong, it might be time to question why that is. Consider how often you've had to say sorry for things you didn't even cause. This isn't about accountability; it's about a power dynamic that feels skewed. A relationship should be a partnership with shared responsibility, not a blame game. If you're always in the wrong, it's likely because the scales are tipped in their favor, not because you're inherently flawed. Daydreaming about the future is a cornerstone of a healthy relationship. If envisioning the years to come feels more like a chore than an adventure, you might be wasting your time. Relationship expert Dr. Gary Chapman suggests that shared goals and dreams are vital for a lasting connection. If your partner isn't part of your future plans, it's a sign that your heart is already halfway out the door. When you're together and the future comes up, does it feel more like a debate than a discussion? If your dreams are diverging instead of converging, it's a glaring sign that you're not on the same page. Relationships are about building something together, not just coasting along. If the thought of forever with them feels like a sentence instead of a journey, it's time to reconsider what you're in it for. Introducing your partner to friends and family should be a joyous occasion, not a cause for panic. If your partner shows little interest in forming connections with your loved ones, it's a problem. A partner who's genuinely invested in your life will want to know the people who shaped you. When they dismiss or merely tolerate your circle, your relationship becomes insular and limited. A lack of effort in this area can become a major source of tension. It's not about forcing friendships but showing a willingness to engage with the people who matter to you. If every interaction is a struggle or feels obligatory, it's an indicator of deeper issues. Your partner's disinterest in your world is a reflection of their investment in you, and it's not looking good. If you can't count on your partner to follow through, it's more than just an inconvenience. Constantly letting you down chips away at trust, the foundation of any solid relationship. When you're left questioning their word or scrambling to pick up the pieces, it's not just frustrating; it's telling. Reliability is about more than showing up; it's about being someone you can depend on. Consider how often you've had to make contingency plans because their promises fell through. A partner who consistently leaves you hanging is showing you where their priorities lie. You deserve someone who respects your time and values your trust. If they can't be depended on for the little things, how can you rely on them for the big ones? In a balanced relationship, both partners' issues matter equally. If your partner's problems always take center stage, you're in danger of becoming their emotional crutch. While it's natural to support one another, it should never become one-sided. When their drama overshadows your life, it's a sign that your needs are being sidelined. Reflect on how often your concerns are dismissed or downplayed in favor of theirs. Relationships are about give and take, not one person's constant need for validation or support. Your voice deserves to be heard as much as theirs, and your issues should be met with empathy, not overshadowed by their saga. If it feels like you're always the listener and never the speaker, it's time to reevaluate the dynamic. Holding out for someone to change is a gamble that rarely pays off. When 'I hope they'll change' becomes your relationship mantra, it's a glaring red flag. Change is possible, but only when someone truly wants it for themselves, not because you're wishing it into existence. If you're clinging to potential rather than reality, you're setting yourself up for disappointment. Consider how many times you've heard promises of change without real action to back them up. If your relationship feels like a series of empty promises and unfulfilled potential, it's time to face the truth. The person in front of you is who they are, not who you wish they'd be. Holding your breath for transformation is only wasting your time, not theirs. If you feel like your needs are an afterthought, you're not in a reciprocal relationship. Constantly putting your partner's needs above your own isn't noble; it's self-neglect. A healthy partnership requires both parties to be attuned to each other's desires and necessities. When your needs are consistently sidelined, it's a sign that you're undervaluing yourself. Think about how often you've compromised without them reciprocating. Self-sacrifice shouldn't be a continuous state, especially when it's not mutually shared. Your needs are valid, and a relationship should be a balanced exchange, not a one-sided transaction. If you're always giving and rarely receiving, it's time to reassess what you're truly getting out of this. If your partner can't stop bringing up their ex, it's more than just an annoyance. An ex should be a chapter in their past, not a ghost lingering in your present. When their history becomes a continuous topic of conversation, it's a sign that they're not entirely over it. You deserve someone who's fully invested in you, not someone still entangled in past relationships. Consider how often their ex comes up in conversation or is used as a point of comparison. This isn't about jealousy; it's about being with someone who's emotionally available. If they're still hung up on someone else, they're not fully open to creating a future with you. Don't settle for being the rebound when you should be the main event. Growth should be a natural part of any relationship. If you feel stagnant while your partner seems content with the status quo, it's a red flag. A thriving relationship encourages mutual development and evolution. When only one of you is pushing for growth, it creates a lopsided dynamic that can't sustain over time. Reflect on how often you've encouraged self-improvement only to be met with apathy. Growth doesn't have to be monumental, but it should be shared. If you're the only one reaching for more, it's a sign that your paths are diverging. Don't allow their complacency to hinder your potential; you deserve to soar, not to be grounded. Your intuition is a powerful guide, often seeing through the haze when your mind can't. If your gut is signaling distress, it's time to pay attention. Ignoring that inner voice often leads to regret, as it tends to pick up on subtleties your conscious mind overlooks. Trust it when it tells you something's off; it's rarely wrong. Think about the last time your gut feeling steered you right, despite external pressures. If you're constantly battling that internal warning system, it's a sign that the relationship isn't aligning with your true self. Relationships should feel right, not like a game of convincing yourself they are. Don't ignore your instincts; they're the compass to your well-being.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Woman Doesn't Want Her Mom to Give Her Partner ‘All Her Life Savings' as a Loan for a New House: ‘I'm Worried'
A Mumsnet user is worried that her mom is going to give a large loan — amounting to 'all her life savings' — to her partner of six years to buy them a new house 'I'm concerned because he won't marry her ... He won't put her on the deeds. He's never shared a will even,' she explained Mumsnet users validated her concerns: 'Red flags everywhere'A significant loan request isn't making any sense for one daughter. The woman explained on the community forum Mumsnet that her mom's partner of six years is requesting a large loan — amounting to all of her mom's 'life savings' — to buy them a new house. 'I'm worried even though on paper it's a short-term loan to enable him to buy a house now until the current one is sold,' she admitted, before describing how her mom feels. 'She's worried but she also trusts him.' 'To be fair, he's a nice guy, he's got two adult children, and my mom has two. They also share one child together, my brother,' she added. 'She lives in his house now, but it's quite small, so he wants to buy a slightly larger house for the family to visit, and he will be a grandfather soon.' The daughter then laid out reasons why she's worried for her mom. 'I'm concerned because he won't marry her — he said it's too complicated with his adult children, work shares and a family trust,' she wrote, adding, 'He won't put her on the deeds. He's never shared a will even.' 'My mom puts up with this because she's still got her divorce money ring fenced in case of problems. That's her fail-safe,' she continued. 'He would be borrowing this money only on a short loan, but she's worried as am I if something random happens to him. How could she get it back?' is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Mumsnet users validated their concerns — with 98% of the nearly 1,500 people voting in a poll choosing 'You are being NOT unreasonable.' 'WTF no! It would be mad to do this for all sorts of reasons,' one person replied, with another urging legal caution by commenting, 'If she feels inclined to do it she would need to take legal advice and get a watertight contract drawn up and signed before a penny is handed over.' A third reader simply responded, 'Just no. Red flags everywhere.' Read the original article on People
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Larsa Pippen Says Marcus Jordan Romance Taught Her to Address 'Red Flags Early' as She Dishes on Her New Boyfriend (Exclusive)
Larsa Pippen told PEOPLE she learned to address 'red flags early' from her past relationship with Marcus Jordan The Real Housewives of Miami star is already discussing the future with her boyfriend, Jeff Coby, saying, "We have conversations about getting married. I feel like when you know, you know.' Pippen and Coby made their red carpet debut nine months after her split from JordanLarsa Pippen is revealing the lesson she learned from her past relationship with Marcus Jordan. When asked what she learned from her previous relationship at the premiere of The Real Housewives of Miami on June 10, the Bravo star, 50, told PEOPLE, 'I think when you start seeing red flags early in a relationship, see them!' Pippen shared that she is only seeing green flags when it comes to her new boyfriend, Jeff Coby, who previously joked in April that the pair would be tying the knot next year. "We're getting married 2025-6," Coby teased the paparazzi while outside an event in Miami. "We're getting married. It's gonna be a beautiful marriage. November 2025." However, he played coy about popping the question, saying, 'I can't tell you when I'm gonna propose." 'We have conversations about getting married,' she shared. 'I feel like when you know, you know.' She noted she and Coby — who met through mutual friends — are 'both very family-oriented.' 'I think our parents are really close,' she added. 'He's really close with his parents. I'm really close with my parents. And our parents, as a couple, are always together. It's kind of like how we are.' The reality star also revealed that the former professional basketball and A Mindful Journey author has been teaching her to keep calm. 'I feel like he's teaching me how to be calm in my day-to-day life and just take things one day at a time,' she shared. 'I feel like I'm the kind of person who tries to handle all my problems at the same time. He's like, it's more of you should do this today and do that tomorrow.' 'I feel like we're really good for each other because we balance each other,' she continued. Pippen added that they meditate together, saying, 'He's kind of coaching me and teaching me.' is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! In early April, PEOPLE reported that the two have been dating since the beginning of the year, and on April 13, Larsa and Coby were spotted kissing and hugging in a parking garage in Miami. A few days later, the pair made their red carpet debut at the premiere of The Accountant 2 at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. The TV personality split from Jordan, 34, in July 2024. Prior to that relationship, Pippen was married to Chicago Bulls vet Scottie Pippen. They finalized their divorce in December 2021 after filing in October 2016 following 19 years of marriage. The exes share four children: sons Scotty Jr., 24, Preston, 23, and Justin, 20, and daughter Sophia, 16. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Season 7 of The Real Housewives of Miami premieres Wednesday, June 11 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo and will be available to stream the next day on Peacock. Read the original article on People
Fast Company
7 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
Red flags to look for during a job interview
One of the worst mistakes I ever made applying for a job was ignoring red flags during the job interview process. Looking back, there were several things that made me uneasy. But I was enamored with how the company described its culture, the people, and the role, and so I ignored them. As it turned out, all of those things were poorly defined or a far cry from what was promised. I had left a toxic work environment only to end up in an equally bad situation. Sometimes, as job seekers, we're so desperate to escape our current situations that we forget job interviews are a two-way street. We overfocus on performing well during interviews and forget to ask questions about the company or role (or ask only surface-level questions). But the more you can try to suss out during the interview process, the better shape you'll be in when deciding whether or not to accept or decline an offer. Here are some best practices. Red flags Some companies are not great at writing job descriptions—or they'll write perfect versions of a role that don't reflect reality. When you're talking to the hiring manager, ask about day-to-day responsibilities. The manager should have a crystal clear idea of what you're expected to do, even if the description is, 'You will wear a lot of hats.' I've worked for many small companies where I was expected to adjust to an ever-changing role. That can be fine, as long as you know upfront and your performance is evaluated accordingly. If the company only has a vague idea of what it needs from the role, odds are it won't be possible for you to meet expectations. It's also a red flag if the company asks you to put a significant amount of work into the interview process. During the first interview, you should ask how many additional interviews you can expect. Three half-hour interviews total? Probably fine. Five hour-long interviews, plus a lengthy, unpaid test assignment? That company doesn't value your time, has trouble making decisions, or both. What to ask the interviewer You'll want to ask for details about the team structure and the type of work you'll be doing. These basic questions will help you determine if it's a job you'd enjoy. But a few probing questions can help you learn more about the company itself. 'Why is this role open?' Is the company in growth mode and needs to add to the team? Did the prior person leave because they accepted their dream job? Or has the company experienced a lot of turnover? 'How flexible is the work environment?' If flexibility is important to you, you'll want to ask the right questions. Some companies claim to be flexible when, in reality, they aren't. A good question to ask is whether people work synchronously or asynchronously. If people work synchronously, the company is probably less flexible. You can also ask how many meetings you can expect per week, which will impact your flexibility. 'How is feedback given?' This ties into how well the role is defined. Does the company have a formal review process? If so, how often? You want to make sure you can meet expectations, even if expectations are ever-changing at a small company. Don't end up in the same bad job situation Companies will likely look at your LinkedIn profile and ask for references, trying to determine what kind of an employee you are. You should do the same. Check Glassdoor, but read reviews with a grain of salt. Employees of small companies may be afraid to leave reviews, and sometimes reviews are skewed toward employees who had negative experiences. You can also check LinkedIn. Find former employees and look at how long they were with the company. One employee with a short tenure doesn't say much, but lots of turnover is a red flag. If you're comfortable, you could even send a DM to a former employee and ask about their experience. As a job seeker, it's your version of 'checking references.' Above all, don't ignore your gut. If you get a bad vibe during the interview, it will probably be magnified once you're hired. Unless you're desperate for a new role, it's better to keep looking than to end up in a job you regret. —Anna Burgess Yang
