5 Relationship Red Flags for Men to Avoid

by Reggie Moore Professional writer and proto entrepreneur

5 Relationship Red Flags for Men to Avoid

So, you may be thinking that you finally found the woman of your dreams because everything they say and do is simply perfect. This, of course, is known throughout the country as the "honeymoon phase." The time (usually at the beginning) of a relationship where your partner can do no wrong. This can be a wonderful time for many, as they are finally in a happy relationship and discovering the world with someone new. This, however, can also be one of the most dangerous. During the beginning of a relationship, you may also be prone to ignoring certain red flags in a woman. Either because you don't want to believe it or simply because you just don't see it. Thus the following includes five of the most common relationship red flags men should avoid when dating someone new.

Controlling

A woman being overly controlling is at the top of the list because it is so easy to overlook early on in the relationship. This is because when you are dating someone new, they seem to be the center of the universe. They want you to use your weekend to help them move; you're right on it. Need to run some errands? No problem, you're there to provide the transportation. In most cases, this isn't going to be a big deal; after all, you want to make that person happy. However, when the demands are often, and the consequences of saying no are severe, that's when it should be seen as a red flag. For example, she wants you to help her move, and you say that you can only help her for a certain amount of house because you have another obligation. A controlling woman will make you "pay" for not helping her. This can come in the form of ignoring you or belittling you in front of friends or family.

Self-Esteem Issues

This sign might seem cruel-hearted, but if a person has constant self-esteem issues, it is only a matter of time until that begins to rub off on you. This is because most people have a hard enough time taking care of their own mental health. By adding another person's health onto their long list of responsibilities, it will often lead to disaster for everyone involved. This does not mean you should quit on them easily, but if they are not attempting to fix the issue whatsoever, it might be time to move on before things become that much worse.

Close Friends with Ex-Boyfriends

To be clear, there is nothing wrong with a woman having male friends. Oftentimes, these are people they have been friends with for many years. As her new boyfriend, you should never force her to choose between you and her long-time friends. However, problems may arise when she is continually speaking with her ex-boyfriend. No matter their history or how long they've known each other, this is a person that should not be on her phone or social media pages. The best way to handle the issue is to ask her to remove him from her contacts. If she refuses, this should be seen as the official red flag. This is because if they refuse to remove an ex, it may be an indication that you're simply the rebound. That means the second something goes wrong within your relationship, that ex of hers is going to receive a call. Be especially wary of this if she says that she’s pregnant. If she is pregnant and isn’t just testing the relationship (see below), then do a paternity test. There are few things more crippling to a man’s future than a relationship with a false partner and then paying child support for a kid who isn’t his own.

Too Much Testing

Remember those fake scenarios that your high school girlfriend used to put you through to test your love? Yea, let's leave those in high school where they belong. Unfortunately, there are many women out there who have yet to outgrow this type of behavior. You may be thinking that it's harmless fun on their end, but the fact of the matter is that type of mentality can quickly get out of control. If she does not tell you straight up what she is thinking, take it as a red flag of a deeper issue and move on.

Does Not Take You Seriously

This red flag can be difficult to spot as they may take you seriously in other areas. For example, they may take you seriously as the breadwinner in the relationship, but the minute you want to voice your opinion, it's like you don't even matter. This is usually accompanied by things such as sarcasm and mockery. However, someone who truly loves you will listen to your opinion. Although they don't have to agree with everything you have to say, taking the time to listen to you is something everyone needs to do in a relationship.

As you can see from the list above, there are many red flags to look out for as a man. Although not everything is going to require drastic moves, such as breaking up with them, it is still important to know where to draw a line and remove yourself from the situation.