What Are the Types of Flags in A Relationship?

Flags act as indicators in a relationship and most of the time, they guide partners on what step to make in their lives. Flags also help us to understand our partners especially their behaviors and their reactions to a situation.

From our previous articles, we looked deeply into the green flags in a relationship. This article will cover the common types of flags in a relationship that you need to understand.

1. Red flag

A red flag is a symbol of danger or a warning in a relationship.

According to Dr. Wendy Walsh, a Ph.D., clinical psychologist who specializes in relationships, red flags indicate that the person is unlikely to be able to have a healthy relationship and that continuing down the road together would be emotionally hazardous.

Red flag. PHOTO FILE

While some red flags are obvious, others may serve as a clue or hint that there is an underlying problem. It may also take some time for a red flag to appear in a relationship.

If your partner exhibits any red flags, it's time to talk about the future of your relationship with yourself and them. While every situation is unique and there is always room for nuance, a red flag indicates a serious issue that the other person must address in order to have a healthy relationship with you, themselves, and anyone else.

2. Green flags

A green flag in a relationship is an indication of compatibility and mutual respect. According to relationship experts, these subtle but critical aspects of a partnership indicate a couple's long-term potential.

Green flags provide a positive perspective on an individual, making you appreciate them despite their flaws or shortcomings.

Green flag. PHOTO FILE

It is also critical for us to be able to identify healthy relationships. As a result, we can begin to gravitate toward people who exhibit those healthy qualities right away, increasing our chances of being in the kinds of relationships that actually feel good.

3. Yellow flags

Yellow flags are basically signal that you should be cautious or on the lookout for any problems in your relationship or with your partner. Yellow flags are indicators that you should tread lightly, be cautious, and take your time assessing your partner to ensure you're investing in the right relationship." Yellow flags, on the other hand, can also be more ambiguous and nuanced.

Yellow flag. PHOTO FILE

If your new partner maintains contact with an ex, it could be a sign of emotional maturity, or it could indicate unresolved feelings. Yellow flags can go either way, but if you and your partner can work through them together, you may become even closer.

4. Blue flags

Blue flags include the following; Keeping secrets, not sharing your whereabouts, not sharing passwords or allowing your partner access to your phone, email, social media, or finances, living in a sexless marriage,  tracking your partner, and getting your emotional needs met by someone outside of your primary relationships such as a parent, child or friend.

5. Black flags

Black flags aren't commonly seen in the landlubber dating scene, but they indicate that your partner is a pirate.

6. Pink flag

Pink flags are behavioral indicators that can appear to be red flags until you get to know the person and the reasons behind them. It's where something may appear to be a major relationship concern and worry, but after communication, everything is fine."

Pink flag. PHOTO FILE

Having a mismatched love language, opposing political views, or different family values can all be considered pink flags. They could be immediate turn-offs or something you don't even think about in a partner.

7. Purple flag

A purple flag indicates that the issue or behavior could be very good or very bad for the relationship. Clinginess is one of the most obvious purple flags. On the one hand, you want your partner to be into you, which is fantastic. You don't want them to dig their nails into you and cling to you for dear life.

Clingy people are often perceived as needy. They are insecure and are afraid of being abandoned, neglected, or rejected. This may appear to be fantastic at first glance. However, you will eventually notice things that appear to be red flags.

8. Orange flags

Orange flags can also be seen as "spending less and less time doing things you enjoy, tiptoeing around your partner, or dismissing your own boundaries and beliefs, saying 'it's okay, it's fine when it isn't."

Orange flags. PHOTO FILE

Orange flags are those iffy dating behaviors that aren't quite red flags but also don't seem to sit right with you, and noticing them in a potential partner is a great way to pick up on things that could become a major problem in the future.

9. White flags

When you can completely let down your guard and surrender to what is becoming a healthy, strong relationship, you have raised a white flag. The white flag evokes feelings of love, comfort, and sweet, sweet surrender.

White flag. PHOTO FILE

From the above, you should be able to now identify what type of flag you are currently experiencing in your relationship with your partner and maybe take an action to either save it of end it.