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The behavioral science behind why we ignore red flags

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Mar 25, 2024

Welcome to the reality of relationships, where seemingly perfect partners reveal their quirks and idiosyncrasies, leaving us to question whether we've stumbled upon a diamond in the rough or a disaster in epic proportions.

Have you ever found yourself swooning over someone, only to realize they're always late, obsessed with their phone, or have an aversion to basic hygiene? Eurgh. These quirky (or downright undesirable) behaviors, though sometimes irritating or humorous, can and often serve as early warning signs in relationships.

In this exploration of red flags, we'll sift through the different shades of red, separating harmless annoyances from genuine causes for concern. We’ll navigate the minefield of dating dilemmas, aiming to answer one burning question: when should we heed the warnings and when should we simply laugh them off as quirks of human nature?

Disclaimer: the red flags referred to in this article do not cover abuse and abusive relationships. If you suspect that you or a loved one is in danger, please contact the corresponding hotline for your country.  

About the Author

A woman stands smiling, leaning against a brick wall, with lush greenery and a distant historical building in the background. She wears a light blue jacket over a white top.

Jyn Moriles

Jyn has a degree in communication and media studies whose interests are in development work using research and data analytics. Her previous roles include providing consumer behavior insights to FMCG clients using panel data for Kantar and promoting financial literacy through investor education for the Philippine Stock Exchange. Outside of her work, she enjoys all manner of storytelling.

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I was blown away with their application and translation of behavioral science into practice. They took a very complex ecosystem and created a series of interventions using an innovative mix of the latest research and creative client co-creation. I was so impressed at the final product they created, which was hugely comprehensive despite the large scope of the client being of the world's most far-reaching and best known consumer brands. I'm excited to see what we can create together in the future.

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