DATING ADVICE FOR MEN
Real Red Flags in Women That Men Should Look Out For
It’s time to identify which ones are bogus and which ones you really need to be concerned about.
Ever since the term “red flag” became popular in dating discourse, it seems as though everyone and their mother has something to say about it.
While this encouraged more people to address sensitive but important issues when it comes to relationships, it also made it harder to differentiate genuine advice from drivel made up by those who fancy themselves experts on love.
So for men who really want to know about red flags in women to help them in dating, below are some key pointers:
Has Few Female Friends vs. Constantly Bad-Mouths Other Women
I’ve read articles that warn men against women with no female friends or who only hang out with men.
First of all, that’s reductive and an easy road to prejudice. Unless you have more information, you can’t judge anyone based on that alone. It can just as easily be circumstantial or a harmless preference.
You know what’s an actual red flag? Women who, even unprompted, constantly belittle other women in order to make themselves look special. After all, there’s a reason why saying “I’m not like other girls” is arguably one of the biggest red flags in a woman out there.
Assertive vs. Mean and Hard to Get
There’s also a difference between a woman who is mean and someone who is simply confident in who she is and what she wants.
When looking for red flags in women, make sure you’re not being influenced by harmful stereotypes or the biases of other people.
Ambition and drive aren’t negative traits when displayed by the ladies. It’s when she’s bullying or emotionally manipulating men to seem more attractive that her self-possession can turn problematic.
Smart and Opinionated vs. Always Right
Before you decide to ask a girl out, it’s best to know if she’s someone you can actually talk to or stand to spend time with.
Intelligence can be very desirable, and so is the ability to stand up for yourself. But if the woman you like seems to have trouble admitting that she’s wrong or she doesn’t know a lot about certain topics, then that is another red flag.
It’s not just going to end with politics or what to order for dinner. You wouldn’t want to be stuck with someone who’ll blame you for every little thing, would you?
Committed to Growth vs. Intent on Changing Who You Are
This is one of the most divisive red flags in women and men both: if you really love someone, shouldn’t you accept them for who they are?
But none of us are perfect, so there’s always going to be room for growth.
If a woman simply wants to help you overcome your issues and be your best, that’s great. But if she wants you to change fundamental things about who you are, even those you can’t control, then that can be a warning for you to stay far away.
Independent Woman vs. Gender as an Excuse
Talking about feminism in dating is both trite and complicated.
To keep it simple and make actual red flags in women easier to understand for men, let’s focus less on abstract topics and more on their application.
There’s nothing wrong with an independent woman looking for a partner who’ll treat her as an equal. Being proud of her womanhood doesn’t automatically make her toxic.
But if she weaponizes her gender to always get what she wants, if she refuses to be held accountable for her actions because “she’s just a girl”, then that’s a very real sign that you’re better off pursuing someone else.
