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Early relationship success hinges on spotting green flags, not just red ones. Psychologist Sabrina Romanoff highlights consistent effort beyond the initial dates, accountability for actions, and emotional control during minor irritations as key indicators. Furthermore, partners with clear intentions and actions reflecting long-term commitment signal a healthy connection, suggesting a promising future.
You can really tell whether a relationship has the potential to be healthy if you pay attention to the early signs. Most of us obsess over red flags, but what we should be looking for are the green ones.
Sabrina Romanoff, a New York–based psychologist and relationship expert for Hily, a dating app, told CNBC about some of the green flags people should look for while dating. These early signs could mean you are in the right place.
They show up consistently
In the early stages of dating, it is natural for people to bring their best selves. But what you need to look for is what happens after the third date. Are they still paying attention and wooing you the same way they did on the first date? “Almost anyone can put up that facade of being the perfect partner for the first month of dating,” Romanoff said.
But only those who are truly interested will continue to show up consistently.
Do they care and focus on you the same way they did at first?
They take accountability
People who take accountability for their actions are genuinely good. It is normal to make mistakes. The lack of sheer perfection is what makes us human. But a good partner will take accountability. They won’t mind apologizing for their shortcomings. “But a good partner can take accountability, apologize, and know they’re not inherently a bad person; they just have room to grow,” the expert said.
They are in control of their emotions
Nobody gets through life without challenges. But how you react to them is crucial. Whether it’s traffic, slow service, or a plan that falls apart at the last minute, small irritations are inevitable. See how they react. Do they let small inconveniences affect their lives and others’? “How do they treat wait staff? How do they deal with slight inconveniences?” the psychologist said. According to her, if they are consistently “very rude, very rushed, very aggressive,” it is a sign of how they handle stress.
If they remain calm, composed, and only slightly irritated, that, my friend, is a good sign.
They know what they want
You can spot a healthy relationship in the early stages of dating. See if they show clear intentions about what they want. A potential partner should always know where they intend to go in the relationship. A good partner will want to communicate. If they say they want a long-term partner, their actions will reflect it. They might introduce you to people who matter to them—friends, family, roommates. So, if the intentions are always clear, it’s a green sign.
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