by Nicole Smith

Created on: November 03, 2008

When you really like someone and there is a strong potential for a serious relationship the last things you want to see no matter how much they are in your face are red flags. After all, at one time the very thought of this person put a huge smile on your face causing your cheeks to hurt. There was no shortage of warm fuzzies or funny and sometimes intimate conversations. The need for him/her to talk to you, hearing the sheer sound of your voice is what motivated them. Spending quality time with you was priority not an option. As time passes the warm fuzzies you once felt in your belly have turned into knots. Then there are the stories that just don't quite add up. In one conversation you're told that they can't come see you because they had to work late. In the next conversation the reason has suddenly changed, "I took my kids out to dinner". Red Flag No. 1: Lying. Hint: you can't be a liar and have a bad memory too.

Your conversations used to start with "Hi, how are you". Now after your greeting, you're asked by your potential/companion/red flagger, "Are you mad at me"? Red Flag No. 2: Acting guilty. He/she suddenly acts guilty.

At one time a kiss goodnight was just that . . . a kiss goodnight. However, out of the blue, after something so simple as a kiss you may be asked, "Who have you been kissing"? Red Flag No. 3: Insecurity. This really goes hand in hand with Red Flag No. 2. He/she is thinking to themselves, "I know that I've been kissing someone else so he/she must have been kissing someone else as well."

The warm fuzzy conversations are practically non-existent. One day when he/she calls, you are assaulted by the most appalling Freudian slip known to man . . . you're called by someone else's name. Red Flag No. 4: Cheating. No elaboration needed.

Lastly, for as close as you two are, not only has he/she never mentioned you to their friends and/or family, you've never even graced his/her home with your presence. This to me is an ultimate red flag. Of course there are many other red flags but you have to admit . . . this one is a biggie. Is the reason for not meeting his/her friends and/or family, and not going to their house because they don't see you as being worthy? Do they respect you? Could it be that you're just being used? There is definitely a reason and only that person knows why. But fear not. Now that you are aware of some of the tell tale signs from this point on you'll know how to proceed. Ahh liberation . . . there's nothing like it.

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