Tuesday Thoughts And Green Flags

Isabelle

2 minutes ago

3 min read

Hi Friends,

Tuesday Thoughts and The Green Flags We Don’t Talk About Enough

Last week, we talked about the red flags we sometimes overlook or explain away. But if we spend so much time learning what to watch out for, maybe we should also talk about what to look for.

Because green flags aren't always big, dramatic gestures, often, they are the small, consistent things that make you feel respected, safe, valued and free to be yourself. And they don't just matter in romantic relationships, either. We need them in our friendships, our families and even our workplaces.

You can disagree without being punished for it.A healthy relationship doesn't require everyone to think alike. You can say, “I see it differently,” and still feel respected afterward. This applies to a partner, a friend or a coworker.

They are genuinely happy for you.When something good happens to you, they don't compete with you, minimize it or make it about themselves. Your friend's excitement over your new adventure, your partner celebrating your accomplishment, or a coworker saying, “That's fantastic!” are all little green flags.

They can say, “I was wrong.”Nobody gets everything right. What matters is what happens afterward. Being able to apologize, take responsibility and make an effort to do better is a pretty powerful green flag—in any relationship.

You can be yourself.You don't feel like you have to constantly watch what you say, hide parts of your personality or become someone else to be accepted. Maybe your friend loves your quirky side, your partner encourages your interests, or your boss values your ideas even when they're different from theirs.

Your boundaries are respected.You can say no without being made to feel guilty. You don't have to answer every text immediately, work every weekend, or explain why you need some time to yourself. “No” doesn't become a negotiation.

They listen—not just wait for their turn to talk.When you tell a friend about something important, they remember it later. When you speak to your partner, they don't immediately dismiss your feelings. At work, your ideas are actually considered. Being heard is a green flag.

They don't need you to stay small.The right people don't feel threatened by your growth. They encourage you to take the class, apply for the job, make the friend, start the business or try something new. They aren't afraid of the version of you that is becoming more confident.

And perhaps one of the biggest green flags of all?

You feel like you can breathe.

You don't spend your time wondering where you stand, trying to decode someone's mood or worrying about whether you've done something wrong. There is room to be human.

That doesn't mean a relationship, friendship or workplace will always be easy. Healthy relationships have disagreements, misunderstandings and difficult days too. The difference is that respect doesn't disappear when things get uncomfortable.

So after looking at the red flags last week, maybe this week we can turn our attention to the other side of the picture.

What are the green flags you have learned to appreciate; perhaps ones you didn't recognize as important when you were younger?

And maybe even more importantly: What green flags do you want to bring into the relationships you have with others?

PS: Message me for a free consult to start moving toward a more confident you.

You are loved. Deeply loved. Loved beyond measure.

Until next time,

Isabelle