Welcome to the Love Olympics, where the prize is your peace of mind, and the challenge is figuring out whether it’s genuine affection or an emotional escape room with candles. 🔥🕯️🚩
Let’s compare:
❤️ Healthy Early Relationship:
- They communicate consistently (without you decoding emoji hieroglyphics).
→ You’re not wondering, “Did they die or just not text back?” - Pace feels comfortable — not rushed, not dragging.
→ Like a good hike. You’re moving forward, but you can breathe. - Your nervous system feels safe — not activated.
→ You’re not constantly checking your phone, your worth, or your sanity. - They ask about your life, not just your last relationship.
→ “What lights you up?” instead of “So… why are you single?” 🙄 - They have boundaries AND respect yours.
→ Miracles do happen.
🚩 Red Flags Wrapped in Roses:
- “I’ve never felt this way before…” by date 2.
→ If it feels like a movie montage, it’s probably fantasy, not reality. - They want to move fast — but don’t know your middle name.
→ Passion isn’t the same as intimacy. - Grand gestures, no emotional follow-through.
→ Yes, they showed up with flowers — and a hundred unresolved issues. - You feel addicted, not connected.
→ It’s giving dopamine hit, not genuine attachment. - They talk about “healing together” but can’t handle a simple boundary.
→ “You’re triggering me” isn’t a valid response to “Can we talk tomorrow instead?”
🚨 Bonus Clue:
If your trauma is yelling “this feels familiar!” and your intuition is whispering “run…” — LISTEN TO THE WHISPER. Your healing deserves better than breadcrumbs in a rose box.
🌿Real love doesn’t come in a rush. It comes in a calm.
It’s not just dates and chemistry — it’s emotional safety, shared values, mutual growth, and that rare feeling of being seen without having to perform.
So yes, red flags might be wrapped in roses — but green flags?
They’re wrapped in patience, consistency, and a kind voice that says, “Take your time — I’m not going anywhere.”
“Romance isn’t dead — but love bombing is still alive and well. Know the difference. Healthy love won’t confuse your nervous system. ❤️🚩🌿 #GreenFlagsOnly #EmotionalSafetyIsHot #TraumaInformedDating”
