CRUSHES

So you and bae are finally an item...but it's not all rainbows and butterflies. Navigating your first relationship can be tough, especially if things aren't like what you've seen in the movies. Although nobody is perfect, here are four relationship red flags to look out for in an S.O. 

They always (negatively) comment on how you look

Your S.O. should be hyping you up, not tearing you down. If your partner is making some not-so-nice comments about your clothes, hair or makeup, it might be time for an intervention. Even if it comes across as playful teasing, constant criticism just isn't it.

Talk to them about how you're feeling, but if they don't seem bothered or apologetic, it's OK to move on. You deserve better, girl!

They don't prioritize time with you

It's good to have a healthy balance of time spent with and without bae, but if you feel like you *never* see them, it might be a red flag. Busy schedules in high school can be tough to navigate, but if they're always choosing their friends over you (or constantly sit on their phone when you're hanging out), don't be afraid to speak up about how you feel.

Spending quality time together as a couple is important—and if they're not prioritizing that, you may want to reevaluate your relationship.

They want to keep your relationship a secret

Here's the thing about a healthy relationship: There really shouldn't be any reason that it needs to be hidden. You deserve a partner who is proud to be with you, period. If bae refuses to tell their friends about you or won't talk to you at school, it's probably time to sit down and have a conversation about it.

Not everyone is comfortable with PDA, and it's OK to keep things private. But if your S.O. is adamant about not telling *anyone* that you're together, consider the possibility that they just aren't the one for you. 

They constantly argue with you

Playful teasing or lighthearted competition is one thing. Disagreeing with you just to start an argument? Total red flag. If this sounds familiar, you might want to step back and reflect on which category your bae's behavior falls into. There are so many things that go into a relationship, but constant fighting shouldn't be one. 

If you find your energy being drained by frequent fights, it's time to move on. Relationships should be fun, and there are other more compatible cuties out there for you, trust.

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More crush advice from GL here:
❤️ Why you shouldn't stress about not being in a relationship
❤️ How to actually get over a crush
❤️ How to start healing from your very first breakup
All GIFs via Giphy

by Melanie Dowling and Hannah Kennedy | 7/15/2024