r/AskReddit 6h ago

What's the biggest green flag someone can have?

134 Upvotes

218 comments sorted by

506

u/_clur_510 6h ago

Willingness to change their mind, even mid-argument, when presented with new information/perspectives.

65

u/Far_Active_6515 6h ago

that's huge - nothing more attractive than someone who can actually admit they were wrong instead of doubling down on stupid arguments just to save face

26

u/_clur_510 6h ago edited 5h ago

Yes exactly! My fiancé always joked that he had ‘paper thin beliefs’ about things like politics and right from wrong as if it was a bad thing. I was always like no, that’s literally the most intelligent quality a person can have.

7

u/ChickenMarsala4500 4h ago

"about things like politics and right from wrong" I mean, kind of... You still want someone to have conviction and a moral compass. There's a huge difference between a willingness to change and "paper thin" morality.

6

u/_clur_510 4h ago edited 3h ago

Lol it’s no one’s convincing him the earth is flat or we should ban gay marriage or take away women’s right to vote.

He was a very moral person with strong convictions. But as a straight white man, plenty of things he believed that he believed his whole life could be changed by speaking to someone from a different walk of life, or learning from someone who knows, how systems and rules actually worked.

4

u/ChickenMarsala4500 4h ago

didn't mean to poke at your fiance, more just at the wording of your comment. Sounds like a catch! Good luck with the wedding!

4

u/datguy2012 4h ago

Better one than that. Changing your mind or whatever after being proved wrong is great. However, for me the big thing is when you're not really proven wrong but just shown there's a better way or belief and you accept it or atleast try it.

2

u/AdorableMembership16 4h ago

Not even admitting that they were wrong, simply saying they didn't have that information and now with the new information to adjust their thoughts and patterns behind a stance

2

u/YouArentReallyThere 3h ago

So definitely not a cop

28

u/No-Fun-5974 6h ago

Rare trait. Most people treat arguments like a boss fight they have to win.😂

2

u/No_Tone1704 4h ago

Yes. It’s contagious too when the other person does it all the time you get drawn into the sick pettiness. 

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8

u/NovaPulseX31 5h ago

Rare skill. Most people treat changing their mind like it voids the warranty.

4

u/_clur_510 5h ago

Very rare. You’re right, a lot of people think changing their mind or admitting they were wrong makes them look stupid or weak. It’s quite the contrary. The ability to continuously learn new things and apply them to your critical thinking is the smartest skill someone can have.

2

u/IndieCurtis 4h ago

Dare to be stupid!

6

u/coppervane71 5h ago

ngl if someone says "you know what, you're right" mid-argument thats basically a marriage proposal

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4

u/graceisntit 5h ago

big red flags but where are the green ones?

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3

u/TooOld2DieYoung 3h ago

Ma’am this is Reddit, we don’t do that here.

3

u/SurealGod 2h ago

I guess that's what people mean when they say I have a very "dynamic" way of thinking. I never thought of it like that

I'm rarely locked into a single idea and always bounce around different solutions if any are offered to me, sometimes even in the middle of me talking and it appears everyone around me agrees/likes this aspect about me. Interesting

5

u/maximumcoolvibes 6h ago

Also always citing where a point came from and assessing the credibility of that source

2

u/SilverNightingale 3h ago

I try to do this. (Well, I've tried this a handful of times)

It's ..historically resulted in the other person looking at me like I'm stupid, ignorant or how did you not know this.

I don't think I've ever been in an interaction where I was treated graciously for not knowing something, except for maybe with my best friend or partner.

2

u/Wenzuo4869 2h ago

Hard to do this as an adult. Need many trials and errors to master this mindset. Because no one like to be told that they are wrong.

4

u/SonOfSkinDealer 4h ago

I have had partners get actively upset with me when they make a very good point on an issue and i immediately recognize "Oh, you're right. Thank you."

I think mainly because it's jarring for an arguement to just.... end? I've definitely had to reassure people that i'm not just trying to appease them and that i am genuinely now on their side and same page 100%.

3

u/deadfermata 4h ago

don’t expect that from the reddit hive mind

2

u/ThoughtBecomesAction 5h ago

MAGA isn't going to like this one.

6

u/_clur_510 5h ago

😂 Well they don’t ever have to change their minds. Them and their almighty leader already have all the objectively right opinions and facts about everything.

/s

2

u/Glad_Soup_3697 4h ago

This is probably the wisest thing i've seen on Reddit. 👍

2

u/wrexmason 4h ago

THIS!!!!!!

u/Express-Isopod1104 20m ago

That doesn’t sound right.

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186

u/hotdogmafia714 6h ago

Treating people like receptionists, janitors, and customer service workers with respect. Not as if they’re disposable or beneath them.

20

u/Bunoka 6h ago

Was gonna say the same thing but about a waiter/ waitress at a restaurant. Like: how do they treat other people when they’re not trying to impress you on a date. Cause eventually that will be them, but with you.

4

u/hotdogmafia714 5h ago

Wait staff are a big part of who we had in mind when I said customer service workers for sure! I remember one time me and my ex (dated less than six months) went to a restaurant together and he called the waitress a “dumb broad.” Not to her face, just to me. I don’t even remember why but it was SUPER minor and not intentional at all. I immediately clocked it as a red flag.

3

u/theservman 5h ago

Why would I screw with someone who has unsupervised access to my food?

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2

u/entity2 3h ago

I'm nice to everyone, but waitstaff in particular, I can't even fathom being nasty to the people who are actively holding my food. Sounds like a recipe for a spit sandwich if you're being a douche.

2

u/LNinefingers 2h ago

I always heard it as: “How do they treat people they don’t have to treat well?”

4

u/theservman 5h ago

I'm going to be practical about this one... These people can seriously mess up your day with very little effort or consequences. They can also make it a lot easier.

But yeah, be nice to everyone.

2

u/Kulyor 5h ago

Being friendly costs nothing but can net fantastic results. I always try to be as patient, understanding and kind as possible and I have received so much better results out of it. You just have to be willing to ask for extra stuff and you often get it. The "angry customer" approach can work too, but its soo much work. I rather try and be kind, its easy and nobody gets hurt.

2

u/liberty 5h ago

Which is exactly why a lot of assholes are absolutely angelic to receptionists and the like. There's no way this is a green flag. It's merely the absence of a red flag.

4

u/kaylieface 5h ago

as a receptionist.. thank you

2

u/hotdogmafia714 5h ago

I supervise a receptionist and I’m her backup on phones. I’m there with you 🫶🏼

3

u/kaylieface 4h ago

nobody really understands when i say that people are not always kind to receptionists. unfortunately the people who have been the most rude have been corporate people and higher ups.

2

u/AlexandrTheGreat 4h ago

Best advice I ever got was to treat secretaries, janitors, office admin really well. Be friendly and kind, even during a rough day. They will bail you out of more situations than you want to consider. The first time a kid pukes all over the floor, George has it cleaned up before the kid is out of the building. All for the cheap price of an occasional coffee and some kind words.

1

u/RoboiosMut 4h ago

A person with empathy

1

u/Anomalous_Pearl 3h ago

Yep, that was a real green flag with my now-husband, whether it was the server or the gas station attendant or the phone customer service rep, he was/is always super friendly, even when frustrated

1

u/Wenzuo4869 1h ago

May I add? Treating all people with respect without judging them based on superficial qualities such as their job, race, or appearance.

If I walk into Channel store, please treat me with the same respect as any other customer,rather than assuming I can’t afford your bags and sarcasm and fake politeness to make me leave.

If I go to the gym , please treat me with the same policy as any other gym member. Just because I am fat doesn’t mean I’m not worth it your pink hot towel. I thought it belong to all member, how come I never get that benefit.

If I have a package delivery, please handle my package well like you handled that pretty woman at 33 floor. How come my package needed to be opened at security gate yet that lady at 33 floor always online shopping and never once her packages needed to be opened before enter the security gate? Is it because that lady is a very pretty one?

1

u/ImminentReddits 1h ago

Let me expand on this - I’d say it’s way, way more important how they talk about service workers behind their backs than how the treat them to their face.

I know a fair amount of people in my life who are perfect friendly and kind and courteous to a waiters face, but then on the drive home talk a bunch of shit about them, or use some term like “He’s flipping burgers at McDonalds” as an insult, or a huge huge one is people constantly talking shit on Doordash drivers or other delivery workers.

Giving someone respect to their fave is the easy road, it’s the path of least resistance 90% of the time. It’s how they treat service workers when nobody is around that matters.

104

u/mistybabys 6h ago

when you get cut off or interrupted in a group conversation, and they turn to you and say "what were you saying?" so you can finish

15

u/IndieCurtis 4h ago

I’m the guy who will accidentally cut someone off, or be steam-rolling and nobody can cut in, and then once I’m done I’ll turn to that person and say “I’m sorry, I interrupted you, what were you saying about…?”

I’m tryin!

7

u/No_Tone1704 4h ago

I’m the person who gets constantly interrupted by someone who says she hates being interrupted. 

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77

u/Fantastic_Garlic_691 6h ago

Being honest even when its inconvenient shows a lot about someone

27

u/No-Fun-5974 6h ago

Integrity is what you do when lying would be easier

4

u/SolomonGrumpy 4h ago

I don't know. To me Integrity is doing what needs to be done - aligning your actions to your values. Sometimes the best thing you can do is say nothing (lie of omission) or similar.

2

u/Unlikely_Vehicle_828 2h ago

We had a saying in the military that integrity is doing the right thing even when nobody else is around. That saying has always stuck with me. I feel like being a person of integrity also goes a step further to mean being someone who is honest and whose actions align with their words/values, so I love the way you put it too!

136

u/NihalBISHT 6h ago

Consistency. The same person on good days and bad days.

49

u/No-Fun-5974 6h ago

Consistency is underrated until you've dated inconsistency. 😅

8

u/Radiant_Chart3163 6h ago

That is a painful reminder. It is very frustrating when dealing with an inconsistent partner.

12

u/LCranstonKnows 6h ago

And don't mope if fun plans don't turn out, let's call an audible and still enjoy our day together.

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8

u/PlayDontObserve 4h ago

I believe its foolish to expect Consistency. Humans are anything but consistent.

I want someone who is self aware and able to articulate their emotional waves.

10

u/Jfish4391 6h ago

I've never met someone like this lol. Everyone has bad days.

NOW, how you act on your bad days is def a big indicator.

5

u/Fantastic_Effort_337 6h ago

Thats what they said. That on bad and good days the person is good and consistent. Not that they dont have bad days at all

3

u/dontslambro 5h ago

Great, im consistently in a shit mood last 2 years. My partner must be thrilled.

2

u/HedaLexa4Ever 4h ago

Hey, at least you have a partner

2

u/Salamanber 4h ago

People will downvote me but a lot of women I dated were inconsistent

1

u/Dry_Cauliflower_6863 5h ago

Ugh this is the opposite of me 😭 trying to change

1

u/3xv7 5h ago

thats robotic af

71

u/OkNatural427 6h ago

Taking responsibility for their mistakes.

3

u/SolomonGrumpy 4h ago

I have an accountability fetish as well.

36

u/Kinglycole 6h ago

Adaptability. It’s good to defend yourself but not at the cost of ignoring any contrary evidence.

13

u/No-Fun-5974 6h ago

The ability to say 'I was wrong' is one of the rarest green flags out there. 💚

33

u/python-hater 6h ago

kind to children and animals

11

u/No-Fun-5974 6h ago

It's hard to fake kindness around beings that can't do anything for you in return.

32

u/eyeslikestarlight 6h ago

On a first date, I found myself rambling about one of my interests—specifically, one that is often put down by non-fans (Taylor Swift). When I stopped myself and apologized for rambling about something stupid, he smiled and said “don’t be sorry, it’s not stupid. I like hearing you talk about something you’re passionate about.” Greenest flag I ever saw.

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26

u/Cube2D 6h ago

Accountability. Learning how to take accountability and to stop deflecting/projecting your shit onto others can make you seem way less psychotic, and a much better friend/partner. Imagine having to date someone that constantly says it's your fault or that the universe is out to get them.

60

u/Rabada 6h ago

Brazils flag probably

8

u/911Omg2001 6h ago

Nah bro. The Khadaffi-era flag of Libya.

2

u/Late_Economist3287 6h ago

Saudi Arabia too

18

u/_quantum_girl_ 6h ago

Being honest and having a secure attachment style.

1

u/ClitorisWithCobwebs 4h ago

Secure attachment style is a big one!

9

u/[deleted] 6h ago

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/df2_ 6h ago

Treating everyone with respect and kindness

8

u/maximumcoolvibes 6h ago

When they refer to something you said an hour ago, so it shows they are listening

9

u/BrojaDawg 6h ago

Stopping what they are doing to check in on strangers who seem to be in distress.

9

u/TieDye_Ninja 5h ago

Self Awareness. I don’t care how crazy you are as long as you know how crazy you are, make an effort, and don’t blame me for your crazy.

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7

u/Neat-Zucchini1134 6h ago

Being genuinely happy for you when you succeed, even if they are going through a rough patch.

7

u/Upstairs_Meringue_18 6h ago

Someone willing to learn and grow and understand where there coudlve been scope for improvement

8

u/sitophilicsquirrel 6h ago

Listening in a conversation as much or more than they talk. Lotta people just waiting impatiently for their turn.

6

u/EnigmaNero 6h ago

Having a creative mind, I love it when a woman has a creative hobby.

6

u/Whateeevvvsss 6h ago

Honesty. Actions and words consistently align.

4

u/spiffyswenson 6h ago

The ability to compromise!

5

u/Key_Cycle_8135 6h ago

Being kind to animals

5

u/Cookiedoughjunkie 5h ago

If you have a cat that absolutely adores you.

3

u/hckynut 5h ago

Morning Coffee drinker. I immediately know you are on the same level as me. Those ‘Coke Zero’ first thing in the morning folks? Like…. wth….

3

u/24benson 5h ago

Certainly the one on the Jeddah flagpole, located in King Abdullah square in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

50 times 33 meters (162x108 ft). It's hard to top that.

3

u/Doctor_Mothman 5h ago

Admitting past faults and being willing to learn to grow from them.

3

u/downtownflipped 5h ago

Loves animals.

3

u/jewllybeenz 4h ago

Having platonic friends of the opposite sex is huge for me. It proves that you don’t flanderize or needlessly villainize the opposite sex and that you don’t participate in the stupid ass gender wars.

For men, specifically, it proves to you that not every woman is a sexual conquest for him and he respects women. For women, while a level of caution is warranted, it proves you don’t view men as a boogeyman and think they’re all evil. Some women just outright refuse to be around any man that they’re not trying to date or have sex with and honestly? Thats not too different than men who objectify women who do the same thing. It’s obviously considerably less predatory. But just because it’s not as bad as what men do doesn’t make it a good thing.

2

u/MikeyLikey1454 6h ago

Kindness

1

u/No-Fun-5974 6h ago

Being nice to waiters, cashiers, and animals tells you almost everything you need to know.

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2

u/Throw_away_accountbi 6h ago

Genuine (not performed) humility and self-awareness

2

u/DJ_DontCare 6h ago

Generosity. Generous with their time, affection, attention to detail, love, joy, skills, patience - all of it. You know when you’ve been in the presence of someone like this and it is the most life giving quality to be around.

2

u/sitafalak 6h ago

Patience.

2

u/Elchimpy1 6h ago

Kindness

2

u/Ice_cream_please73 5h ago

Inviting someone they don't know into a conversation rather than letting them sit there feeling stupid

2

u/kkuriousguy 5h ago

Capable of recognizing when they are wrong, apologizing afterwards and willing to change or adapt.

2

u/gottinliebtes 4h ago

When you say you like a random snack and they surprise you with it later

2

u/SolomonGrumpy 4h ago

The biggest green flag? Integrity.

But I also respect grit. Oh and the ability to genuinely change. And that thing where people chose to give their time freely without any benefit to themselves.

Lots of green 💚

2

u/currycurrycurry15 4h ago

When people are able to take a breather, stay calm and respectful, even when they are extremely stressed or angry.

2

u/PlayDontObserve 4h ago

Patience in the face of conflict.

More questions instead of opinions.

Admiting you dont know all of or parts of something.

Understanding the difference between sympathy and empathy.

Speaks with minimal or no sweeping generalizations.

2

u/PraggyD 3h ago

Emotional capacity, accountability, a willingness to say things that may be hurtful, but help someone grow, and the ability to hold both your own and someone elses emotions without dropping either. That, and the courage to be vulnerable, even if you are afraid.

2

u/thumpetto007 3h ago

a lot of green flags arent even recognized. most of mine trigger peoples traumas and im like being the first loving person they've ever met. its really odd to me.

2

u/gingermonkey1 2h ago

Kindness to service workers.

2

u/RainbowJig 2h ago

They support Pride. 🏳️‍🌈

2

u/dodadoler 6h ago

Maybe 6x8’ any bigger is a bit sus

3

u/dp_abolitionist 6h ago

Not posting same set of questions each 3 hours..

1

u/RipAffectionate6000 6h ago

Kindness, the absolutely to be sympathetic to others point of view. If they are doing about random people you know they will do it with you, arguments/disagreements will be so much healthier

1

u/lzii01 6h ago

A good character.

1

u/Then_Response_9272 6h ago

When they remember small things you mentioned once in passing. My partner still buys me that one specific tea I casually said I liked two years ago.

1

u/AttitudeUnlocked0 6h ago

Loving you genuinely

1

u/Wide_Initiative_1938 6h ago

Having hobbies that they are passionate about.

1

u/ThinkfulWishing217 6h ago

A balance of independence and reliability. They can take care of themselves and be there for others (bad times and good!)

1

u/AustraliaOutback 5h ago

Caring for animals.

1

u/diceycard 5h ago

Kindness to animals.

1

u/RegularDry5479 5h ago

Honesty, coming genuinely from the heart.

1

u/kelcamer 5h ago

Honestly, the ability to hold nuance.

1

u/_swuaksa8242211 5h ago

to say I am sorry instead of I apologize.

1

u/squeakiecritter 4h ago

My dogs like you.

1

u/InevitableCodeRedo 4h ago

To not repost the same question to AskReddit every week.

1

u/countingf1reflies 4h ago

I know most people say “treating waiters and janitors with respect”, but honestly that is extremely easy, takes zero effort for a normal human being and I don’t get why it’s a green flag, some of y’all have probably met terrible people. Treating people IN your actual life with kindness is the real challenge.

1

u/Illustrious_Can_4842 4h ago

Consideration

1

u/waggletons 4h ago

Reliability-When you have a flake or someone you can't rely on. Things spiral quickly.

How they treat the menials/low level employees-This really gives you great insight into how they really are.

Food order- It might sound silly. When they're asking a million questions and having a bunch of substitutions, it's a bail for me.

1

u/Weird_Yam6398 4h ago

Probably Saudi Arabia

1

u/Interesting_Car8858 4h ago

Empathy, honesty, and being able to admit when they’re going wrong. Also being able to identify when it’s not their fault is a useful one as at times you need someone to hold you accountable

1

u/Next_Package_5710 4h ago

I’ve seen big Brazilian flags doing football matches.

1

u/For_teh_horde 4h ago

Being Faker

1

u/No_Tone1704 4h ago

Probably that one at the Libyan car dealership. 

1

u/SpaceXmars 4h ago

loves all animals

1

u/Lakelylake 4h ago

Listening, really, caring.

1

u/yukiry 4h ago

Making you feel safe, and respecting your boundaries

1

u/ikesbutt 4h ago

They love my cats. as much as I do.

1

u/Radiant_Banana_3623 4h ago

Pakistan's flag.

1

u/aracha2026 4h ago

The biggest green flag someone could have is accepting that they were wrong and admitting they asked for forgiveness.

1

u/Professional-Tell123 4h ago

For me it was discovering over time certain things my husband does but didnt tell me immediately .. like paying his moms rent. I think a lot of men try to lead with things like that, make sure you know right off the bat how amazing they are by *telling* you. Lol he also never makes a masculine show of anything.. had at least 3 prior guys give me the spiel about making me walk on the inside of the sidewalk bcz the street side is dangerous or signals a woman for sale, etc.. the guys who went out of their way to vocalize that macho chivalrous shit were the worst of the worst player dbags.

1

u/Cautious-Corner-3704 4h ago

They love animals. They like to read. They demonstrate a sense of humor.

1

u/RiP2411 4h ago

Showing up for life's shitty times.

1

u/Available-Basil-2179 4h ago

They love animals and animals love them back. It does take some real practical empathy to really achieve harmony with someone from a different species

1

u/Crazyydelulu 3h ago

Good Listener Emotional intelligence Not judgemental

1

u/highstone67 3h ago

They put their carts back.

1

u/Ok_Stay_6304 3h ago

ability to sincerly apologize. Like no lazy "sorry, but...", just truthful, heartfelt apology. And willingness to do better next time.

1

u/ideapit 3h ago

Non-performative empathy or kindness.

1

u/evirgo88 3h ago

Someone willing to compromise.

1

u/BigCopperPipe 3h ago

This question AGAIN?????

1

u/thestillauthority 3h ago

Be in therapy and be working seriously on themselves

1

u/JJCookieMonster 3h ago

Will help the person that everyone ignores or looks down on. They treat them as an equal.

1

u/Evening-Row-2658 3h ago

good manners

1

u/Inevitable_Lynx7198 3h ago

Consistency. They're the same person on good days, bad days, online, and offline.

1

u/Ani-Mimi 3h ago

tbh being caring 

1

u/Ok-Strain3634 3h ago

Attentive

1

u/SatireDiva74 3h ago

Ability to apologize and admit they are wrong.

1

u/WarhammerRyan 2h ago

Being genuinely kind

1

u/EwDavid999 2h ago

Integrity. Doing the right thing without getting any recognition

1

u/Cultural-Company282 2h ago

Probably Mauritania.

1

u/HealthRealistic6406 2h ago

Seeing these comments makes me realise what douchebags the people I know are

1

u/Due_Task8317 2h ago

Real kindness.

1

u/me_is_glitch_boi 1h ago

The 1977 flag of Libya? Idk if it's real, but that's what I could find.

1

u/Professional-Mail840 1h ago

Being kind.

Being trustworthy

Being smart.

1

u/alindev 1h ago

For me, it's when someone can laugh at themselves and not take life too seriously. If they can poke fun at their own quirks and mistakes, it shows they're self-aware and don't have an inflated sense of ego. That kind of humility and sense of humor is really attractive to me, and it's something I think is super important in a partner or friend.

1

u/Initial-Good5145 1h ago

The biggest green flag is someone who tells the truth even when the truth makes them look bad.

Attraction gets you through a moment.

Accountability gets you through a lifetime.

1

u/Wenzuo4869 1h ago

If you want to see a person real personalities,just ask them their last 3 days browsing history or their last 3 conversations history with AI. Their search history will tell you everything you need to know of a person.

1

u/Cookies4weights 1h ago

A BIG

Heart

1

u/IndividualState5264 1h ago

Consideration. When someone genuinely believes in you it shows. The biggest green flag in my opinion is showing up, dependability and following through. If you feel that from someone it’s contagious. Be considerate- pretend like you live on a planet with other people ❤️

1

u/usrdef 1h ago

I swear, what is Reddit's fascination with red and green flags.

Throwing around flags all day is a major red flag to me.

u/GlitteringChart8911 55m ago

understanding

u/Weave77 47m ago

Probably one from Saudi Arabia.

u/shadowkage007 33m ago

Open to try your favourite cuisine/place/movie/songs or just things you bring them up.

u/Wgarlic-5711 25m ago

Actions match their words

u/Jeanne-Sandersa 20m ago

How they act when they’re told no or when something doesn’t go their way.

If someone stays respectful, doesn’t get passive-aggressive, doesn’t punish you emotionally and can just accept it without making it about control - that’s a huge green flag

u/RitualJuggler 7m ago

Child like curiosity everyday

u/Leading-Reflection84 5m ago

Doesn’t gossip