Red Flag

Red Flag: (n). A warning signal. Something that demands attention or provokes an irritated reaction.

As 2011 drew to a close, I learned a very valuable lesson. (One that took me years to learn). It was this: When someone displays red flag behavior, this is a warning signal. It means STOP, immediately. (And run in the other direction). When someone displays this type of behavior, it is not your job to try and fix or change him. It means he is not right for you. Go and find someone who is. Red flags (in dating) are also in conjunction with deal breakers. They are called deal breakers for a reason. It is a non-negotiable, something you cannot ignore, and as stated earlier, provokes an irritated reaction. In the last few months, I have experienced varying degrees of red flag behavior. It's a good thing I know now to remove myself from further contact with these people. I give you the following:

The Freak: I met a thirty-one year old man at a bar, once. And, we have not seen each other since. Since our one time meeting, I often get one word text messages from him that simply say, "Cuddle?" What happens when a thirty-one year old man that you have met once, texts you at seven pm on a weeknight asking you to "Cuddle?" This is a red flag, deal breaker. Freakshow Alert. There is no overcoming this one. Run for your life!

The Flake: If a person cannot commit to making plans, they cannot commit to a friendship or any further type of relationship. If someone flakes on your plans (for a non-legitimate reason), and continues to do so repeatedly, this guy is not worth a minute more of your time. Run for your life!

The Asshole: Okay, so you have a one night stand. You reach out, they don't respond. At some point they reach out, say late one night, and they are now interested in meeting up? Red flag. Anyone who ignores you at any point, is not worth your time. Run for your life!