I’m always on the lookout for red flags in dating. We all should be.
Some of the women I try to avoid: those who shop incessantly, always seem broke, have a temper, and don’t get along with their families.
I could probably come up with 10 red flags if I thought about it.
But I discovered a website that purports to list 100 warning signs in women. It’s called simply 100RedFlags.com.
Actually, the site is a work in progress. So far, it lists only 36 red flags and says the rest are “coming soon.”
The partial list makes for entertaining reading. Some of the red flags I agree with, some I do not.
One I said amen to: “She’s submitted an application to be on reality TV.”
I can’t stand reality TV. There’s nothing real about it. The producers create a bunch of concocted scenarios and pass them off as spontaneous occurrences. If a woman wants to be on reality TV, I’m definitely out.
Two guys named Ryan and Bill (no last names are given) created 100RedFlags.com. Both have marketing backgrounds, and both say they’re dating veterans.
“Let’s get one thing straight,” Ryan and Bill write. “Women do some ridiculous things.”
I’m sure women watch for red flags in men too. Fair enough. Both sexes should pick up on potential warning signs before marriage.
A red flag list can prevent heartache
Too many men and women are blinded by love (or lust or infatuation) that they overlook glaring red flags – behaviors or characteristics that will ultimately doom the marriage.
Actually, I think the term “red flag” is too tame. I’d say “flashing neon billboards with fireworks” would be a more accurate term for relationship signs people often ignore.
After reading Ryan and Bill’s list of 36 red flags, I’ve thought of a few more myself. I’m leery of women who:
- Have few close friends
- Watch a ton of TV
- Hate to sweat or get dirty
- Change their hairstyle or hair color weekly
- Drive a perpetually dirty car
- Talk on their cell phones in checkout lines
I could go on. My red flags usually involve behavior I think is rude, self-centered, materialistic or superficial.
Despite being divorced twice, I still believe there are plenty of good women out there. So many, in fact, that you shouldn’t feel bad about having a long list of red flags.
In fact, I say your red flag list should constantly be growing. A long list indicates you’re pondering what you want in a potential lifelong mate. When it comes to love, too much thought is better than too little.
THE TAKEAWAY
If you don’t have a dating red flag list, start on one immediately. Without a list, you’re more likely to rush into a relationship that won’t last.
