20 Green Flags in Modern Dating
Positive factors that make someone a great and healthy partner in modern relationships.
- Cyra Sanchez
- 8 min read
Nowadays, the bare minimum and being nonchalant has become so normalized that green flags have become almost a rare sight in the dating scene. However, don’t lose hope because the walking green flags still exist and they might just be around the corner. So, how can you spot a green flag in a sea of red? We will give you the best 20 green flags you should look for in modern dating.
1. They’re always respectful
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Respect doesn’t expire once you’ve become comfortable around someone. You’d know they’re a green flag if they still treat you with the utmost respect without making you feel like a stranger in their lives. This means they’re always considering your boundaries, your sensitivities, your well-being, and anything that involves treating you in the best way they can.
2. Your conversations can go on forever
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A one-sided conversation where only one of you talks all the time will fade into silence quickly. But when you’re mutually exchanging words and consistently connecting, then that’s a huge sign that they’re a good match with you. And that makes them a green flag since they’re able to keep up with you and match your positive energy.
3. They listen attentively
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Did you know that people’s attention spans are rapidly diminishing? So if your partner is always attentively listening to anything you say, whatever the conversation is, that shows they’re deeply interested in you and they care about what you feel or what you want to say. In the modern dating world, that makes them a walking green flag.
4. They’re vocal about their interest in you
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In the modern dating scene, it has become glorified when you show less interest or as the younger folks say, ‘act nonchalant.’ That’s why it’s such an attractive green flag if someone verbally expresses and shows that they’re interested in you. With this, you don’t have to play any mind games trying to guess if they’re only messing with you or giving you mixed signals.
5. They know how to make you laugh
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It’s hard to find someone that perfectly matches your sense of humor nowadays, especially when people have become colder and meaner towards each other. So if your partner can make you laugh without being nasty or making fun of others just to be funny, then you know they’re an intelligent person who has a good sense of humor. They’re the clear opposite of red flags who have nothing but a cheap sense of humor.
6. You have their full, undivided attention
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You can tell someone values every second they spend with you when they avoid using their phones or engaging in any other distracting activity whenever they’re around you. So if your partner solely focuses on you, that means they deeply care about you and they love being around you. And that’s another green flag everyone should appreciate.
7. They’re open-minded
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In relationships, it’s normal to have disagreements and complicated discussions once in a while. But if your partner is open-minded enough to listen to your point of view, take in your opinion, and consider your side, it means they’re a mature person who wants to grow with you. When they’re willing to adjust their perspective after talking to you without causing a huge fight, that means you should probably keep them by your side.
8. They don’t say yes to everything
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People-pleasing is a common problem in modern dating, this may push people to agree to whatever their partner says. This may lead to an unhealthy power imbalance in the relationship which can then become suffocating in the long run. But if your partner is someone who’s not afraid to speak their mind and respectfully disagree with you, then that gives you both room for growth which is a positive thing for your relationship.
9. They don’t talk negatively behind people’s back
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Someone who often talks bad about their friends or family can be hard to trust, after all, what if they’re also saying similar things about you in front of other people? That’s why when you meet someone who talks kindly and positively of their loved ones and who actually treats them well, keep them. That’s a good sign they’re the kind of person appreciates the people in their lives.
10. They make you feel special
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Yes, someone can put on a show to make you feel special until you trust them enough to let your guard down. But if you’ve been dating for a while and your partner still makes you feel special to the point that you always feel good about yourself, then their intentions are most likely genuine. In modern dating, no one has the patience to fake their intentions for long, thus if your partner has been consistent since day 1 then they’re a true green flag.
11. They still have personal lives
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Someone whose entire life revolves only around their partner may sound romantic in an ideal, fantasy world. But in the real, modern world, that habit can be suffocating for anyone in a relationship. That’s why a green flag is someone who also has a career, they still have things going on with their personal lives with or without their partner because that shows how stable they are as individuals.
12. You feel safe in their presence
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A person who never invalidates you, never hurts your feelings on purpose, and always prioritizes your comfort and welfare is a huge green flag. That’s because many people in the modern world have strong identities which could end up causing conflict with one other. So if you find someone gentle enough to never overwhelm you and they put in the effort to make you feel safe, then they’re a keeper.
13. They’re a kind soul
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Being kind is surprisingly and sadly a rare thing nowadays. Most people have their trust issues and tend to become withdrawn towards others. That’s why a green flag is someone who’s not afraid to be kind and helpful to everyone else without any ulterior motives.
14. Knows how to ask for consent
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Someone who is a green flag doesn’t play mind games with their partner. If their partner tells them no, then it means no and not an invitation to change their partner’s mind either by guilt-tripping, gaslighting, or by using force. In conclusion, a person who truly respects you will always ask for your consent even when it comes to the little things.
15. Always willing to try things with you
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Someone who truly wishes to connect with you will always be open to the idea of trying new things with you. That’s because they know you must learn and grow together as a couple. This means a green flag would go out of their way, even if it means stepping out of their comfort zone, just to make an effort to bond with you.
16. They have good manners
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A well-mannered person is a green flag because it reflects their overall character. It’ll show whether they’re lazy or not, or if they’re a rude person underneath. So if they’re capable of behaving properly toward others, then imagine how much nicer they can be when you’re closer and finally dating each other.
17. Appreciates the little things
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Doesn’t it suck when your little efforts always go unnoticed? That’s why a green flag is someone who picks up on everything you do no matter how big or small the action may be. It shows they pay close attention to you because they care for you and they appreciate having you in their lives.
18. They know how to give you space
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Someone who knows you well also knows how to give you the space you need. In the modern dating scene, being clingy may seem cute at first but just like any relationship, such behavior can be suffocating in the long run. That’s why a green flag knows when you need time alone to do your own thing without taking it personally because they respect you.
19. They never rush you
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If they’re always rushing things with you, then they’re the opposite of a green flag who’s willing to take things slow. A green flag is someone who can match your pace, be on the same wavelength as you, and respect your preferences when it comes to dating. They know how to communicate their feelings without making you feel pressured as well.
20. They can take accountability
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Ever gotten into an argument with someone who never admits their mistakes? Yeah, that’s extremely frustrating and that’s why a green flag is a mature and intelligent person who knows how to take accountability. This means they can apologize without gaslighting you or guilt-tripping you and they’re willing to work on themselves to avoid arguing about the same thing again.