What Are 3 Red Flags You Can Find in a Relationship?

Ah, relationships. They can be such a beautiful thing, right? But, as most of us know, they can also be a minefield, and not just in the obvious ways. It’s easy to get swept up in the feelings, the romance, and the excitement of it all, but sometimes, you have to take a step back and ask yourself: Is this really healthy?

You know those little things that niggle at you, the odd behaviors that, at first, seem minor but maybe start to feel a little… off? Yeah, those are red flags. And if you're not careful, they can quickly snowball into major issues. But don’t worry—I've been there, and I’ve learned a thing or two along the way about spotting the signs early on. So, let’s dig into a few of those subtle (but major) red flags you might encounter in a relationship.

1. Lack of Communication (Especially When It Counts)

Alright, let’s start with communication. This one is a biggie. I’ve heard it time and time again: “We just don’t talk about things, but we’re fine!” And I get it—sometimes, it’s easier to just avoid an uncomfortable conversation. But here's the thing: if there’s a lack of communication when it really matters, that’s a serious red flag.

Think about it. If your partner shuts down during important discussions, or worse, ignores your feelings or concerns, you might find yourself in a relationship where you’re constantly walking on eggshells. There’s a difference between being a “quiet person” and avoiding tough conversations because they make you uncomfortable. Trust me, I’ve been in a relationship where we couldn’t talk about anything serious without it turning into a massive fight or, worse, being completely ignored. It made me feel invisible, and, honestly, it sucked.

If your partner can’t be open about their feelings or struggles, that’s a warning sign. Relationships require vulnerability and trust, and if communication isn’t flowing in a healthy way, things are bound to go south.

2. Disrespect Toward Boundaries

Okay, let’s talk about boundaries. Everyone has them—whether it’s space, emotional needs, or personal preferences—and they should be respected, no questions asked. But when someone consistently oversteps your boundaries (whether it’s physical, emotional, or mental), that’s a huge red flag.

I’ve had friends who found themselves in relationships where their personal space was constantly invaded, or their time was never respected. The thing is, at first, it might feel like a sign of affection or “closeness”—maybe they just really want to spend time with you, right? But when it becomes a pattern, it’s not about affection anymore, it’s about control.

And let’s be honest, no one wants to feel trapped. The person you’re with should respect your need for “me-time,” your privacy, and your limits. If they constantly push back against those things, or make you feel guilty for needing space, it’s time to reevaluate the relationship. No matter how much you love someone, your boundaries need to be non-negotiable.

3. Gaslighting and Manipulation

This one hits a little hard, doesn’t it? Gaslighting is one of those behaviors that, when it starts, can be so subtle you might not even realize it's happening. It’s when someone makes you question your own reality or feelings—making you doubt yourself, your memory, or your perception of events.

I had a friend who was in a relationship where every time they had an argument, their partner would turn the tables, making it seem like everything was their fault. At first, she thought she was just overreacting, but over time, she began to feel like she couldn’t trust her own judgment. It wasn’t until she took a step back that she realized what was happening. Gaslighting is insidious, and it can destroy your self-esteem.

Manipulation can take on many forms too, whether it’s playing the victim, guilt-tripping you, or subtly controlling your decisions. It’s that feeling you get when you can’t make a choice without worrying how the other person will react. It’s toxic, and it’s exhausting.

If you ever feel like you're being manipulated or made to feel crazy for voicing your opinions or concerns, that’s a huge red flag. And you don’t have to tolerate it, no matter how much the other person tries to convince you otherwise.

So, What Now?

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Hmm, I might be seeing a few of these signs,” don’t panic. The fact that you’re noticing these red flags is already the first step toward addressing them. Healthy relationships are built on trust, respect, and clear communication—and if those things aren’t present, it’s worth asking yourself if you’re truly in a relationship that values you for who you are.

The key is to trust your instincts. They’re usually right. Don’t ignore the signs just because you’re afraid of being alone or because you think things might improve over time. Relationships should make you feel supported, loved, and valued—not drained, manipulated, or unheard.

So take a deep breath, assess what’s going on, and remember: You deserve better. Whether it’s having an honest conversation with your partner or deciding it’s time to walk away, trust that you’re capable of making the right choice for your happiness and well-being. And hey, if things don’t work out, you’ll come out stronger and wiser for it.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.