What relationship green flag signaled that your love was real? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
It’s always good to know about dating red flags, but it is equally good to know about the green ones, too. The truth is some of us are pretty good at talking ourselves right out of a good thing. But sometimes we just can’t ignore those pivotal incidents that become the signal we need to move forward. Find out what green flag some sisters reveal that convinced them to take a chance on love.
Taking it Offline
I decided to give love a chance when my Facebook friend of over 4 years said, “I think we’d be good together.” I laughed. He was smart, kind, energetic, so I thought, “why not?” We didn’t live in the same state. In fact, we had never met in person. He was a familiar Facebook friend whose business I supported. But, after meeting in person in January of 2024, my friend turned into my lover.
Kyshia Carey, 52, Augusta, GA
Blizzard Bae
My ex-husband and I were dating for almost 3 years when there was a bad snowstorm and we were snowed in and together for 7 days straight and enjoyed it, we did not get on each other’s nerves. That’s when I realized that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. We dated for 5 years, were engaged for 1 year, and were married for 11 years. Although we eventually grew to realize that we wanted different futures for ourselves, I have no regrets, we had a happy marriage.
Nicole Pierre 62, New York, NY
Rinse and Repeat
My husband and I just celebrated 20 years of marriage. The green flags were that he made me laugh so much and I felt like I could just be myself with him. As the oldest child growing up, I always had to be the responsible one. But I didn’t have to be “on,” I could just relax and breathe with him. I didn’t have to be perfect or good, just me. Also, he washed my hair, such a small thing, but such a big thing, too.
Joi Mahand, 42, Birmingham, AL
The Ex-Factor
The first green flag was that I met my husband of ten years at a book launch! I love books and never expected to meet a love interest at any of the book events that I liked to go to. The second green flag was that he maintained a good relationship with his ex-wife just as I did with my ex-husband, and it just made blending our families easy.
Lola Bailey, 66, Seattle, WA
Press Play
When I was dating my husband, within the first few months, he asked to meet me because he had something important to give me. We met at a Denny's before I went into work the next day. He gave me a letter he had written and an India Arie CD and asked me to listen to track 8, "Ready for Love." After listening to the words to the song and considering his sweet gesture, he raised the green flag in my eyes. It's been over 20 years since, and I never looked back.
Yolanda Chapman, 49, Bellflower, CA
Blanket Statement
One green flag was when he brought me my favorite coffee order—before I ever mentioned what it was—I thought, ‘Okay, this guy actually pays attention.’ He didn’t just listen; he remembered from our previous coffee outing. Nice green flag.
He also asked me about my work, listened, and then cheered me on like I was scoring the winning goal in the finals. I thought, ‘A real, supportive, emotionally intelligent adult who genuinely cares. Major green flag.
Then one chilly evening, without a word, he handed me the softest, coziest blanket on the couch we were sitting on outside at an event—even though I knew he was cold too. It was such a small thing, but in that moment, I saw someone who wasn’t just kind but truly thoughtful, willing to put my comfort first. That was when I thought, ‘Okay, this guy is something special.’”
April Owens, 54, Boston, MA
Telephone Tipoff
Many of us have a list of characteristics we want to see in a mate. While I was on the dating scene, I was at my wit's end because all I was seeing were red flags. Then, I met my husband. He displayed several green flags, which restored my hope.
He was a gentleman. He opened doors for me, walked on the side closest to the street, etc. He answered and returned phone calls. We had real conversations that weren't all via text. He was a father, not just a sperm donor. His love for his children showed in his actions. And lastly, he was gainfully employed! Self-explanatory.
Kendra Bennett, 48, Long Beach, CA
What relationship green flag signaled that your love was real? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
