The Meerkat Q&A, Question One: Red Flags

What would a red flag look like to you, be it in a prospective partner, friend, or co-worker? What would make you think ‘I don’t want a close association with that person’?

Sometimes it can be something simple. It may boil down to something like personal hygiene. This can be a very awkward topic to raise, but depending upon the severity of the problem, it can scupper friendships, or make for a very difficult workplace.

Tardiness is a trait that isn’t necessarily a red flag to everyone, but I have read stories of couples who have broken up because one partner would always be late, take forever to get ready for events, and frequently misplace stuff. I am not the most organised person in the world, but I freely admit to feeling a great deal of frustration when someone else causes me delays in doing whatever I am trying to do.

I think it should go without saying that aggressive, controlling behaviour should count as a serious red flag. Being demeaning, and putting others down, especially in public, is never a good personality trait. If I dated someone who berated restaurant or store staff, I would have to seriously consider if that relationship had a future. I do not believe there is generally any reason to be rude, least of all to people who are doing their jobs, and especially towards people who cannot control the situation someone may be moaning about. For example, screaming and shouting at me because I cannot magically make shipping containers arrive at the warehouse more quickly would have me regard you with contempt.

What about you, my lovely meerkats? What is a red flag to you?

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