Heartbreak

6 (Fixable!) Personality Traits That Men See As Red Flags

Photo: Serhii Yurkiv / Shutterstock
woman alone

When you begin dating someone new, your brain is flooded with chemicals that make you feel like you're on top of the world. Everything feels bright, shiny, and new when you're falling in love.

However, that warm, shiny feeling can sometimes blind you to the red flags in a relationship and get you into something that isn’t healthy.

And while we're quick to attribute these red flags to the person we're dating, the truth is, no one is perfect. Meaning, yes: Some of your own personality traits may be why you're still single.

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Here are 6 fixable personality traits that are red flags to men:

1. You're addicted to love

You all know the feeling of falling in love. It’s a feeling like none other. It can help you find a perfect partner, but, like any drug, it can sometimes cloud your judgment. Your brain secretes powerful chemicals that are meant to help you find a mate.

These chemicals, like dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins are what give you the positive feelings you associate with falling in love. They have a strong influence on how you choose and stay with a partner.

When you're around someone you’re attracted to, you can feel physical symptoms like a flushed face, a racing heart, and an overall warm feeling. You feel the chemistry. You may spend hours thinking about your new love, fantasizing about how wonderful your life will be together.

This is your brain working to connect you to another human being. It’s a good thing.

However, this rush can be deceiving if you get lost in it, and overlook red flags because you are too hooked on the good feelings this new person creates in you.

Because of this, it’s important to have a few sober reminders that you are aware of prior to getting high on love so that you be sure you’re able to see clearly when the rush hits.

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2. You ignore red-flag behaviors

There are some basic qualities that everyone should steer clear of when they see them in a new partner.

This includes someone who is overly jealous or possessive, someone who can’t maintain a job or is unable to manage their financial life over time, and someone with a significant criminal background — especially domestic violence or crimes that involve hurting others.

Untreated addiction, no relationships with friends or family, or someone with a victim mentality. Many of these qualities spell trouble and can be indicators of deeper mental health issues in someone, and if you're willing to overlook these things to be in a relationship, you're also showing red flag behaviors as well.

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3. You refuse to learn from past relationships

What have you learned from past relationships that you know you need to avoid this time around? What’s important to you, specifically?

Maybe you’ve learned you must have a partner who allows you to keep your independence, or you need someone who is highly affectionate and attentive.

Maybe it is someone who is willing to explore a spiritual path with you, so dating a devout atheist wouldn’t be a good mix. Maybe you need someone who values sobriety. Know yourself well and trust that it's OK to have expectations, rules, and boundaries in a relationship.

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4. You feel like you have to settle for less

If you have a scarcity mindset in love, you may have beliefs like:

  • "I’ll never find a good relationship."
  • "There are no perfect partners for me."
  • "Love only happens to other people."

This mindset is a dangerous combination when you feel high on a new relationship. It's easy to ignore the warning signs when you're getting filled up on any kind of love, even if it’s unhealthy.

If you meet someone you like, scarcity can tell you that this is as good as it gets, so it’s OK to ignore your red flags. If you have a reason for concern, it's better to release them and trust that another love will always come around.

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5. You ignore your own discomfort in the relationship

If you’re confused about whether a partner is good for you or not, trust that your body knows the truth. A great technique to access your truth is to take daily “body checks” and ask yourself if you are making a good decision to stay in a relationship.

A body check is a simple technique that involves taking a few minutes to sit quietly. Do some deep breathing, and get centered in your body. Bring to mind your partner, and ask your body if this relationship is right for you.

Then listen.

Do you feel your body expanding in confidence or shrinking in fear? Do you feel uneasiness anywhere? Notice your gut and heart areas, in particular. They are important energy centers that hold a lot of emotion, especially around relationships.

Do they feel tight, tense, or fearful? Or do they feel settled and trusting?

This technique may be easier for some people who are more in tune with their bodies but could take practice for others. When practiced daily, this can help you learn the difference between the feeling of just having a desire for a relationship to be what you want it to be and the reality of what it is.

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6. You don't know what you truly want

Just listen, pay attention, and trust yourself. Most people can look back after a breakup and notice the red flags that were present from the beginning, but they were ignored because the rush of love was so strong that it was easy to overlook the reality of the situation.

Know your red flags, and trust that they are always worth following. There is plenty of healthy love in the world for you.

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Chelli Pumphrey, LPC, is a dating coach and therapist who wants to help you become more confident and empowered in your relationships. 

This article was originally published at Meet Mindful. Reprinted with permission from the author.