Seemingly thoughtful, meaningful gestures may seem charming and romantic at first, but sometimes these are a sign of something much more worrisome. Don’t get swept away in the beginning of a relationship! If your new partner is wooing you with over the top, grand gestures, you may want to take a step back. Not sure what to look for? Read on to discover 5 red flags to look out for in the beginning of a relationship.
You’re All Over Their Social Media
At first, you may feel all tingly inside now that you’re popping up all over their social media, but sometimes this is a sign of obsession, rather than a healthy, budding relationship. David Bennett, a relationship counselor and owner of Double Trust Dating and Relationships says, “What does it say about a person that their entire online presence is basically about one person rather than a variety of hobbies, interests, and experiences?” Definitely a red flag.
They Constantly Text You
Bennett says, “Texting all day sounds romantic, but it will quickly seem needy when you’re trying to enjoy the moment you’re in or actually busy with work and other projects and your partner is upset you haven’t responded immediately,” It’s much healthier to maintain regular contact while encouraging each other to remain present with what’s in front of you. Bennett adds, “Then meeting up later is even that much more enjoyable.”
Ignoring Their Friends For You
It may seem sweet that your partner would rather spend time with you than with their friends, but you should be cautious of anyone who neglects their friendships for a romantic relationship. Bennett says, “Everyone needs close friendships to be emotionally healthy, and giving them up for a romantic relationship isn’t healthy in the long run.”
They Insist On Immediately Meeting Your Parents
If you’ve just started dating and they immediately want to meet your parents, this is a warning sign that they may be rushing into a relationship and moving too quickly. Kimberly Hershenson, LMSW explains, “It takes time to get to know someone, and having you meet people important to them early on may be a red flag.”
They Want To Move In With You Too Soon
If you’ve only been together for a few months, it’s too soon to be apartment shopping. Hershenson states, “Moving in is a big step, and it should be done with thought and planning.” The beginning of a relationship should be spent getting to know each other. It’s not the time to jump into a lease together.
If your new relationship is moving too fast and you’re feeling consumed by this new romance, take a step back and consider what’s really going on. A partner that seems all in and totally invested may be masking their obsessive, needy, controlling behavior with seemingly sweet and romantic gestures. Too much, too soon can be a definite warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored!
