Are there any GREEN flags that teens (and EVERYONE) should be watching for when starting a new serious relationship or even a friendship? Yes, of course! There are definitely some signs that a potential partner or friend would follow the path to a healthy relationship. Let’s take a quick look at these today.
By the way, Happy Valentine’s Day and remember that the Love Story between Jesus Christ and His people is the most amazing Love Story of all times. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only beloved Son that whoever would believe in Him would have eternal life.” John 3:16
It never gets old, does it?
GREEN FLAGS
- Respects a “no” and doesn’t try to push you to do something you don’t want to do
- Takes accountability when they make a mistake as in “that’s my fault, and I’m sorry”
- Values time apart and time together
- Accepts feedback without getting defensive
- Does what they say they’ll do
- Does not lie
- Exhibits empathy and understanding toward you and others
- Makes you feel safe and secure
- Is okay with you having your own friends and spending time with them
- Is able to disagree or argue without getting mean or using personal insults
- Enjoys seeing you succeed and grow
- Is the same person in public as in private
Isn’t that a refreshing list! I pray that in the days and weeks to come that you will be very discerning about GREEN FLAGS and RED FLAGS so that your relationships are healthy and safe. And keep your boundaries in place at all times!
Let’s remember the words of Jesus in the Gospel of John 15:13…
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
That doesn’t necessarily mean that we have to die for them as He did for us, but that we should be willing to put others’ needs before our own. Whoever you are dating or seeing or hanging out with should recognize your value as a child of God. You are made in the image of God. You deserve the very best in loving, caring relationships with all people.