When it comes to starting a relationship or really getting to know the person you are with, there are 7 red flags that you should keep in mind as a couple.

The red flags, is a term that refers to a warning sign of a dangerous scenario. Its use expanded through social networks to show attitudes and behaviors that people could have as signs of prevention.

We tell you 7 alerts that you should take into account in a relationship:

1.- Obsession with social networks
Dating expert and Director of Relationship Sciences at Hinge (a dating app), Logan Ury, told Yahoo! Life advises to be careful if someone is too interested in your profile and social media following.

He noted that 74% of Hinge users see this as a red flag, as it can indicate that the person is insecure or self-absorbed.


2.- Controlling or jealous behavior

Susan Trombetti, CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking company , said that a little jealousy here and there can be harmless. She acknowledged that they are quite common in a relationship.

However, if your partner begins to become possessive or controlling your plans, what you wear, who you date, or isolates you from friends and family, this can be a serious sign of future emotional abuse, Trombetti says.

3.- Extreme emotional reactions

Trombetti continued that if someone shows uncontrollable emotions and easily loses control, this is a serious red flag.

Responding with uncontrollable anger or the “silent treatment” could indicate abusive or violent behavior, both physical and emotional, in the future.

Also, a lack of empathy can mean that they lack emotion and attention.

4.- Alcohol or substance abuse
If the person you are dating cannot control their alcohol intake or uses substances excessively, they may have an addiction. The first thing is to have a serious conversation about it.

When the problem with excessive alcohol consumption makes them refuse help, consider this as a deciding factor. Do you really want to stay there?

On the other hand, if they can acknowledge the problem and actually get help, it could deepen your relationship.

5.- Lack of communication

Communication is a key pillar in any relationship. Licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Behr Psychology, Jessica January Behr, noted that if your partner seems absent or like they're not listening to you while you're talking or not responding to your texts or calls, this is a sign they're out of touch. or distracted

The first step is to have a conversation to see if your different communication styles can be resolved with a little patience and understanding.

6.- Love bombing
Ury says one of the biggest red flags he sees in relationships these days is "love bombing," which refers to when your partner gets too involved early on.

In fact, it can be a form of manipulation of people with narcissistic disorder. The love bomber will talk about your future, shower you with affection and grand declarations of love, and make you fall in love with them, only to walk away leaving you heartbroken.

Furthermore, it goes hand in hand with other traits of a toxic relationship including gaslighting and emotional abuse.

7.- Gas light or gaslighting

Gaslight or gaslighting is a form of manipulation of the perception of reality of the other.

It is a form of psychological abuse that consists of denying reality, taking for granted what never happened, or presenting false information in order to make the victim doubt their memory, their perception or their sanity.

"It's just a way to blow you up and make you think you're crazy," says Trombetti.