Why do we ignore the glaring red flags that toxic situations wave?
Most of the time, it’s because we’re wearing rose colored glasses and can’t see the red flags for what they are. We can’t fix the past, but we can help others learn from our mistakes.
Red Flags We Ignored
The internet is a treasure trove of what not to do. We found an eye-opening thread where people shared the biggest red flags they ignored.
I’ll admit, I’m guilty of a lot of these. I learned my lessons the hard way, but maybe you can take these stories as a warning so you don’t have to experience the same pain.
Don’t ignore these red flags, run!
Plagued with “Bad Luck”
I believe the best in people, so I’ve been burned multiple times for believing someone when they blamed everyone but themselves for their poor lot in life.
I’ve since learned that some people claim they’re plagued with bad luck when in reality, they’re a victim of their poor decision-making. If everything is always going wrong for them, examine whether they’re the ones at fault.
Short Term Relationships
People in their mid-to-late twenties or older should have at least a handful of long-term relationships unless they purposely abstain from dating.
Someone with a string of short-term relationships who can’t determine why is likely the problem. It’s best to realize that before they cause you heartache.
Not Ready for a Relationship
Sometimes people will literally tell us the red flag, and we’ll still ignore it. If they say they’re not ready for a relationship, believe them.
They may tell on themselves in thousands of little ways, listen to and believe them.
Someone Else’s Fault
Some folks can’t take any accountability for their own actions. They get fired because their boss hates them, not because they’re chronically late or a bad employee. They can’t hold a job in their thirties because their parents made them babysit once while they were a teenager, not because they’re lazy.
Everything terrible is always someone else’s fault, and they’re constantly a victim. Rest assured; you will be the next person at fault if you engage with someone like this.
Refusing to Apologize
Refusing to apologize even when they know they messed up is a giant red flag. It’s even worse when you find yourself apologizing for their bad behavior because it “made them feel bad” when you brought it up.
Someone who can’t admit when they messed up is someone you don’t want to engage with.
Not Meeting the Friends and Family
If you’re in a relationship with someone, you should eventually meet their friends and family. No one is bringing a fling home to mom and dad after the first date, but after a few months, you should have at least met a friend or two.
Hiding you from friends and family means you’re not it. They might even be cheating on someone with you.
Sore Loser
People who can’t take a loss in a simple game definitely can’t handle losing when things really matter. These folks always need everything to go their way and will throw a massive fit if it doesn’t.
Cheating
Cheating is the biggest red flag we ignore due to rose colored glasses.
If they cheat on you, they will cheat on you. Far too many people think it will be different because they’re special.
Family Hates Them
We understand that some folks genuinely have toxic families. But unless they’ve escaped from some type of cult, if everyone in their extended family hates them, it’s probably because they’re a walking red flag.
A String of Crazy Exes
The common denominator in every relationship is you. We can understand one or two bad experiences, but when every single one of your exes was the problem, you’re either choosing poor partners or you’re the problem.
Just “Joking”
Schrodinger’s jerk will do something awful and then claim they were just joking when the other person takes offense.
It’s not a joke. They are pushing your boundaries to see what they can get away with under the guise of humor. It’s a massive red flag I’ve ignored far too many times to be the “cool girl,” and I’m so glad I learned how toxic that entire display really is.
Bad Financial Decisions
Don’t watch in awe as a potential partner blows their entire paycheck on booze and video games or quits their job without something else lined up. These red flags mean you’ll be supporting them.
Is Your Relationship Toxic?
Check the warning signs and find out if you’re in a toxic relationship.
Love isn’t Enough
People always say love is enough and that there’s someone out there who will love you for who you are. Find out why that’s not true.