Red flags. Green flags. Toxic.
Problematic. "If they wanted to, they would." These buzzwords and phrases to describe behaviors or relationship challenges are increasingly common on social media and have become reasons to write off potential partners while dating.
There is an overload of information online about what we should expect in relationships and new language to communicate this: emotional availability, attachment styles, love languages. "With more language, we have more anxiety," Todd Baratz, a therapist specializing in sex and relationships and author of “ ,” tells TODAY.com.
On social media, we’re inundated with an endless stream of curated, glamorized content about what a "perfect relationship" looks like — the result? Unrealistic, sky-high expectations, unfair comparisons, and a lot of real-world disappointment, says Baratz. All of the rules, red flags and labels have also created even more anxiety around dating, says Baratz. "Modern dating is a mess.
" New technology and methods of communication, as well as access to information online, have introduced a unique set of challenges. Baratz encourages people to stop obsessing over red flags, labels and rules and hold themselves accountable to develop the skills needed to build and sustain healthy relationships. A is a warning sign that a partner or a relationship is not right for you or headed for trouble.
These may include character traits, beliefs, or repeated behaviors that indicate a person is not compatib.
