Heart Lexicon

Green flag - meaning and definition

Alsogreen flagsgreen flag behaviourhealthy relationship signs

Definition

A behaviour or quality that suggests someone is likely to be a healthy, respectful partner.

At a glance

  • A sign that someone is likely to be a healthy, respectful partner.
  • Examples include consistent communication and respect for a no.
  • Curiosity, accountability and kindness to others are often mentioned.
  • It began as a positive counterpart to red flags.

In detail

Green flags might include consistent communication, respect for a "no", curiosity about the other person, accountability after mistakes and kindness to others.

The term emerged as a positive counterpart to red flags. Many people list their own green flags on profiles to show what kind of partner they aim to be.

In a sentence

  • He apologised without making excuses. Big green flag.
  • Green flags on my list: kind to waiters and texts back when he says he will.

Where the word comes from

Formed as the opposite of red flag, drawing on green as the colour for go. It spread through social media in the late 2010s.

Common questions

What are examples of green flags?

Commonly mentioned ones include respecting boundaries, following through on plans, being curious about you, owning mistakes and treating other people kindly.

Related terms