“Red Flags” To Watch Out For In Relationships

Lack of empathy

          ¨      Being unsupportive

¨      Lack of common courtesy

¨      Self-centered behaviors

¨      Empathy as a means to get something from you (sex, return empathy, etc.)

¨      Lack of concern for your physical and/or emotional well-being

Lack of remorse

          ¨      Blaming you for his/her actions

¨      Minimizing hurtful or violent behaviors towards you or others

¨      Refuses to admit to any personal/emotional problems

Controlling behaviors

          ¨      Large gifts early in the relationship

¨      Lack of acceptance of your friends and family

¨      Attempts to isolate you

¨      Asking or demanding that you give up essentials for the “common good”

¨      Physical restraint

¨      Equating total submission with total love

Abusive behaviors

          ¨      Derogatory comments about your appearance, intellect, 

              abilities, etc.

¨      Putting you down or making fun of you in front of others

¨      Physically hurting you

¨      Playing mind games

¨      Telling you or making you feel like you are crazy

¨      Purposely making you feel helpless

This Web Page was designed by

California Polytechnic State University
Winter Quarter 2002