In the dating jungle, it’s often difficult to separate the wheat from the corn. While we often talk about red flags—warning signals that should make us suspicious—there are also so-called green flags. These are positive signs that indicate that your date could be a promising candidate for a healthy relationship. Here are six sentences that tell you that your counterpart might be a real green flag on two legs that you should hold on to.
“Let’s plan this together.”
If your date says this sentence, for example, when it comes to making your first plans together, it is a good sign of teamwork skills and a desire for equality in the future relationship. It indicates that your partner likes to make decisions together and values your opinion. Who wants to be with someone who is always doing their ego thing, right? This attitude, on the other hand, promotes healthy communication and mutual respect—important foundations for a strong partnership .
“I understand how you feel.”
Empathy is the key to deep, meaningful relationships. If your date says this after you’ve perhaps talked about a stressful day or expressed nervousness at the first meeting, it shows high emotional intelligence. It signals the ability to put themselves in your shoes and validate your feelings. This quality is particularly valuable in conflict situations and helps to create a trusting and supportive atmosphere. And that’s exactly what we want!
“Tell me more about it.”
This phrase reveals genuine interest in you and your thoughts. It shows that your date is actively listening and wants to learn more about you. A person who shows genuine interest in your life, experiences, and opinions lays the foundation for a deep emotional connection. It is a sign that they value you as an individual and are willing to invest time and energy in getting to know each other.
“I respect your boundaries.”
If your date says this sentence and acts on it, it’s a massive green flag—in the early dating phase, but of course beyond that too. It shows that the person acknowledges and respects your boundaries, be it in terms of intimacy, personal space, or time for yourself. In detail, this could be sentences like, “Is it okay if I hug you?” or “It’s fine if you’d rather go home tonight. We can see each other another time.” This attitude indicates a healthy understanding of consent and individual autonomy. Someone who respects your boundaries is likely to prioritize your needs and comfort in the future too.
“I made a mistake, and I’m sorry.”
The ability to admit mistakes and apologize sincerely is a clear sign of emotional maturity. When your date says this phrase, it shows that the person takes responsibility for their actions, even if you may not have known each other for very long. The willingness to admit a mistake and apologize sincerely signals maturity and strength of character. It also shows that your date values honesty and transparency and is willing to communicate respectfully and openly. These qualities are especially important for building a trusting foundation for a potential future relationship.
“I appreciate your honesty and openness.”
If your date says this sentence after you have perhaps just spoken openly about your expectations or feelings, it is a strong indication of an appreciative and supportive attitude. It shows that your counterpart appreciates authenticity and open communication right from the start. This statement promotes an atmosphere in which you can feel safe to share your true feelings and thoughts—even if you are just at the beginning of your getting-to-know-you phase. Anyone who behaves like this right from the start will certainly promote an open and honest dialogue even in difficult situations—an invaluable quality for a long-term, healthy partnership.
While these sentences can of course be positive signs, it is still important to look at your date’s overall behavior in context. Pay attention to whether the words match the actions, especially if you meet often. A real green flag is not only shown in individual statements but in a consistent pattern of respectful, sensitive, and authentic behavior over several dates. Trust your gut feeling—it can often give you good clues as to whether someone is right for you. And remember: a healthy relationship is based on reciprocity. So reflect on your behavior and strive to play green cards with your counterpart.
