Prompt #1: When someone prioritizes their academics/sports/extracurriculars over their partner.
Natalie: Green flag. While your crush is an important part of your life, I believe it shouldn’t be the most important. Between playing at a sports game and going out to a restaurant on your one-month anniversary, I think the answer is clear. To add, dropping opportunities, interests, or hobbies for a what-if is the most glaring red flag of all.
Nami: Beige flag. People have lives of their own and should be able to feel like they can pursue their own hobbies. They certainly shouldn’t need to stop doing something they enjoy for the sake of their partner. But at the same time, part of being in a relationship is being able to put in time and effort into someone. At the end of the day, it really depends on how much time each person is willing to invest in the other. After all, it can be hard to always want to text or talk to someone only for them to be constantly unavailable.
Prompt #2: When someone is extremely blunt and honest.
Natalie: Beige flag. Under most circumstances, being completely honest is great. It leads to great, clear communication with no beating around the bush. But not sugarcoating or filtering some things out can make it seem like you lack emotional intelligence, even if you have the best intentions. And in a relationship, not being able to connect to someone emotionally isn’t great. Overall, this prompt depends on what personality trait someone values more, which is why I’m neutral.
Nami: Green flag. Since being blunt and honest are personality traits, it really depends on what an individual values in their partner. As long as someone’s not openly disrespectful or making their partner feel unimportant or insecure, their bluntness can be funny — especially for those who enjoy sarcasm. Additionally, honesty can help build trust in the relationship.
Prompt #3: When someone is a slow texter.
Natalie: Green flag. If your partner is a slow texter, I feel like that would push you to try to interact with them in-person more. That itself is a healthier way to communicate and would likely lead to a longer relationship. But being a slow texter also means that they have a life outside of their screen. In an age when everyone is addicted to their phones and computers, that’s the biggest green flag of all.
Nami: Red flag. At Lakeside, it’s not uncommon to find yourself swarmed with homework and wanting to set aside your phone. Meanwhile, some people express themselves better in person than online. Yet like anything, being a slow texter can go too far. Some couples don’t share classes or lunches, so texting is the main way of communication. If someone is a slow texter, it can hinder attempts at building a relationship. Even if you were to prioritize studying, it’s not hard to find a few minutes to reply to something whether it’s when you’re waiting for a bus or filling up your water bottle in the WCC (which admittedly, can take a few minutes). Overall, unless both partners of the relationship aren’t frequent texters, it’s easy to feel put off when it takes days for a partner to reply.
