5 Green Flags You Want To Have in a Relationship

You're probably familiar with the concept of red flags in a relationship — you know, those qualities that trigger alarm bells in your brain, like jealousy or passive-aggressive comments. But do you know about green flags in a relationship? They're good signs that you and your partner have a healthy, positive relationship based on mutual trust and respect.

If you're wondering whether your relationship has what it takes to go the distance, be on the lookout for these five green flags (plus a bonus one that we couldn't resist adding). Still not sure about your long-term compatibility? Schedule a reading with a PathForward Psychic Advisor for some deeper insights into your relationship.

Clear, Consistent Communication

In healthy relationships, partners communicate clearly with each other. There's no need to play games like hiding your phone in another room so you're not tempted to text them too soon (that tactic rarely works, BTW). Similarly, your significant other doesn't ghost you for days before reaching back out with no explanation. Instead, you both initiate conversations and check in with each other regularly.

Just like with your friends, some of your chats may involve sharing funny stories or texting each other an endless string of memes. But your communication should also go below the surface. When they ask how you're doing, they genuinely want to know what's going on with you. If you've had a bad day, you should feel comfortable discussing your emotions and sharing the messy parts of you.

In other words, your partner offers a safe space, allowing you to have deep, meaningful conversations about your intimate thoughts and feelings.

Honesty

This one sounds like a no-brainer, but it can be difficult to put into practice. If you've been burned in a toxic relationship, you might struggle to trust someone at their word. However, honesty is an integral part of a healthy relationship. It allows you to be your authentic self with another person because you trust them to have your back. At the same time, you respect your partner by being truthful and keeping the promises you make.

 In a new relationship, you might wonder whether you can trust your new partner to be honest with you. Here are a few signs you're in an honest relationship:

• They listen to you without judgment or shade.
• They follow through on their commitments.
• They share details about their past relationships.
• They validate your feelings and emotions.
• They've never given you a reason to doubt them.
• When they make a mistake, they own up to it and apologize.

Mutual Vulnerability

Sure, the first few dates might be awkward as you both try to make a positive first impression. But once you get past that stage, you should feel comfortable being yourself around your partner. Mutual vulnerability means you're not afraid to show your significant other your true self, flaws and all (hey, you'll get around to folding that growing pile of laundry at some point, right?). At the same time, you accept your significant other for who they are, and you don't try to change them.

Many people equate vulnerability with weakness. It's actually the opposite. It takes an incredible amount of courage to be your authentic self with someone. When you can develop that connection with another person, it's a big green flag.

Respect for Boundaries

We all have boundaries, and a good partner will not only know yours but also respect them. They trust that you know what's best for yourself, and they don't try to change your mind. They honor your boundaries because they respect you for making those decisions. And it should go without saying, but in healthy relationships, no means no — period.

Every relationship looks different, so only the two of you can decide the boundaries you'll have with each other. Some common boundaries in a relationship include:

• Physical boundaries.
• Emotional boundaries.
• Social boundaries (i.e., boundaries for family or friends).
• Intellectual boundaries.
• Sexual boundaries.
• Financial boundaries.

Integrity

When a person has integrity, it means their actions match their words. They don't just say they'll do something — they do it. People with integrity hold themselves to a high moral standard because they feel like it's the right thing to do. In a relationship, having integrity means your partner shows you respect every time you're together.

Just because you have integrity in your relationship doesn't mean you'll never fight. But how you fight can show you a lot about your partner. If they have integrity and value your relationship, they won't call you names or gaslight you during an argument. Instead, they'll share their frustrations in a mature, respectful way.

A person with integrity will take responsibility for their mistakes and apologize to you. You'll never hear the dreaded non-apology, "I'm sorry that I made you feel bad." They'll admit to what they did wrong and apologize in a real, meaningful way.

Bonus Green Flag: Laughter

The five green flags above are essential to any healthy relationship. They allow you to build a foundation based on trust and respect, resulting in a relationship where you feel emotionally safe and valued by another person. Your relationship won't be perfect, but you can feel confident that you'll work through problems together and support each other during difficult times.

However, we'd like to add one more green flag to this list that's just as important to a successful relationship: laughter. If you find yourself smiling so hard that your cheeks hurt, that's a great sign for your relationship. When you can joke and laugh, it shows that you're comfortable with each other and enjoy being together. If they make you feel happy, that says a lot about your relationship and its chances for long-term success.

If you've successfully marked off each of these green flags, congratulations! You should feel confident about the connection you've built with your significant other. For more relationship advice, connect with a PathForward Advisor to get some additional guidance on the green flags you need to have for long-term success.