In contrast to previous eras, modern times do not regard a relationship as a black-and-white picture. They’ve become more segmented, thanks to the recently popularized red flags and green flags — two idioms indicating the toxic and healthy traits in a relationship respectively. While there are endless conversations about potential red and green flags, we often fail to notice the grey areas in a relationship, also known as the ‘orange flags.’
The orange flags refer to behaviors of an individual which are often subtle and hard to pinpoint but have a tendency to become toxic behavior. For example, you may meet a person who has all the qualities that you desire in a partner, but in an instant, you observe they are extremely rude and arrogant toward their subordinates and workers. Now you may choose to ignore it in the initial stages, but that conduct doesn’t make you comfortable. This is what orange flags are. These actions don’t sit right with you and leave you wondering about their rights and wrongs and in a state of confusion.
The following are a few probable orange flags that you may overlook in someone but could actually be harmful over time:
They think all jokes are funny
Even if a person is known for their quick humor, not all of their jokes are funny. Many of them may be mean or stereotypical, which might make you feel uncomfortable. For instance, they may constantly joke about your phobias and later dismiss it as “I was just kidding.”
They are potential stalkers
It’s always nice to know that your partner knows a lot about you and is interested in knowing more. But the orange flags crop up when they seem to know too much. Everyone has their personal space, and when someone tries to infringe on that personal space, that’s when you can see the orange light.
They DISCOUNT your small milestones as Commonplace
Your better half may not be as excited about the little things in life as you are. It may not seem like a big thing for them when you achieve something or if you both are celebrating your one-month meetup.
They want to be your only priority
It is a cute gesture that your partner would want to spend as much time as they can with you, but it can also lead to a situation where they would rather emotionally compel you to cut your time with your family or your friends. Often, we succumb to their request to spend most of our time with them. But while doing so, we mark down the time we should spend with our other close family and friends.
Orange flags are often ignored or resistible at first and by the time you realize it, it becomes a red flag. While it’s great to look out for any warning signs, it’s always best to go with your instincts.