Dating in the times of Gen Z comes with the concept of red flags, green flags, and beige flags. Check out how these terms are significant in navigating the dating landscape of today's generation
Red flags are indicators or behaviours that raise concerns about the health and future of a relationship. They serve as warnings to pay attention and take necessary precautions to avoid toxic relationships. Red flags can be deal breakers while dating or in a relationship
Common red flags prevalent among Gen Z daters include lack of trust, excessive possessiveness, disrespect, lack of effective communication, gaslighting, controlling behaviour, constant criticism, lack of compromise, and unwillingness to address relationship issues
Green flags are positive signs or behaviours that indicate a healthy and fulfilling relationship. They reflect qualities that promote growth, trust, and happiness. identifying green flags can contribute to the foundation of a strong and meaningful relationship, fostering trust, emotional well-being, and overall satisfaction
Examples of green flags include open and honest communication, mutual respect, support for personal growth and goals, and shared values
Beige flag is the new lingo in Gen Z dating that has seen a spike in mentions across social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter. As per TikTok users, beige flags can be quirky traits in your partner that may make you pause momentarily about it but is not necessarily a dealbreaker. As beige flags are subjective, an exact definition for it is hard to arrive at
“Unlike red flags, beige flags don't mean you should run in the other direction, but it's reasonable to think twice about dating someone who puts little effort into their profile,” Hinge's Director of Relationship Science, Logan Ury told Pop Sugar. TikTok user Caitlin MacPhail, the self-proclaimed ‘CEO of Beige Flags’ went viral in 2022 when she talked about generic phrases and photos that keep up on various profiles on dating apps
Caitlin MacPhail cited how saying that your hobby is going to the gym or petting puppies are examples of beige flags. Having an opinion on whether or not pineapple belongs on pizza, making any mention of spreadsheets, referencing mainstream sitcoms and hating coriander are also counted as beige flags. So beige flags can be very subjective
Beige flags are a sign that someone is boring or lacks originality. Beige flags are often generic or very cliche things that many people put in their profiles, as per Urban Dictionary. Beige flags like on dating app profiles could include using photos of you and your friends on your dating profile, making it difficult to identify the one whose profile it actually is, or stating the obvious by citing popular sitcoms as favourites shows. Dating experts believe such profiles do not stand out on dating apps like Hinge, Tinder and Bumble, creating an impression of the person having a lot of beige flags