You’d think that dating would get easier as you get older. You’re more comfortable in yourself, you’re more settled in life, and hopefully, you’re wiser. But we all know that’s not always how things go. We’ve put together a list of red flags to look out for in a relationship when dating in your 50s.
Unfortunately, there are still people out there who aren’t as mature or as respectful as they could be. Knowing the signs of someone you should probably avoid will help you from getting hurt down the line.
Keep an eye out for these major red flags to help ensure your next romantic venture turns into a healthy relationship. So, let’s get into it!
Here’s a quick look at the red flags you should be looking out for when dating in your 50s:
| Main Red Flags When Dating in Your 50s |
Online Dating Red Flags | 1) Limited information on dating profiles |
Early Romantic Relationship Red Flags | 1) Intense communication habits |
General Relationship Red Flags | 1) Displaying controlling or manipulative behaviour |
Online Dating Red Flags When Dating in Your 50s
Online dating is a great way to find new romantic relationships in your 50s. Whether you’ve been married before or not, making a dating profile can be the first step to finding your perfect match.
With that said, there are plenty of red flags to look out for when dating online.
1. Limited Information and Refusing to Meet Up Face to Face
The biggest red flag to look out for is limited information on a dating profile. Of course, there’s certain information you shouldn’t put on your profile to protect your identity, but when there’s nothing more than a name, it can be a warning sign.
Similarly, if they don’t want to meet up face to face, they might not be who they say they are. The best thing to do is to just stop interacting with the account.
2. Asking for Financial Help
Another huge red flag is someone asking for financial help early into the relationship. No one should be asking you for money on a dating site, and you certainly shouldn’t be giving money to people.
No matter how strong your romantic interest is, don’t send money to people you don’t know well.
Early Romantic Relationship Red Flags
The most important time to be on the lookout for red flags is at the start of a romantic relationship. The earlier you catch red flags in a relationship, the easier it is to move on.
1. Intense Communication Habits
Getting a message from your new partner out of the blue is often a nice surprise and a reminder that they’re thinking about you.
However, with the wrong person, getting messages can be intense. Many early red flags centre around excessive interest signs such as messaging or calling multiple times throughout the day.
2. Too Much Too Soon
Getting into a new relationship can be exciting, but sometimes things can be taken too far. If your new partner is getting ahead of themselves and pushing the relationship to move to the next step before you’re ready, that can be a major red flag.
Pressuring you to move in with them (or vice versa) after a few weeks, going away together, or even asking to get engaged early on are all signs that your new romantic interest may need more from you than average emotional support.
Respect your personal space and put the brakes on your relationship for a while.
General Relationship Red Flags
Of course, red flags don’t always show up at the start of a relationship. Sometimes, people wait until a relationship is more serious before revealing a red flag that may mean healthy boundaries will be stepped on.
1. Controlling or Manipulative Behaviour
Controlling or manipulative behaviour is one of the hardest red flags to watch out for in a relationship.
Such behaviour often involves one partner trying to exert power or influence over the other, manifesting as jealousy, possessiveness, or an obsession with maintaining a certain image. While there are warning signs that a toxic relationship is developing, it can be hard to see the signs.
Mental abuse is much harder to see than physical abuse and can seriously affect your mental health.
Here are some common signs of emotional abuse in a relationship:
- Isolating you from family members
- Picking away at your self-esteem
- Monitoring where you go
- Stonewalling you
- Being jealous
- Gaslighting you
2. Keeping You or Your Relationship Secret
Another common red flag is keeping you or your relationship a secret. People in new relationships are meant to be excited and proud to show you off to their friends and family. If your partner isn’t doing this, it can be a definite red flag.
If you haven’t met any of their friends or family, or they act like you’re only friends around people they know, it’s a major sign they’re hiding something.
3. Being Fixated on Past Relationships
Of course, we all have a past, especially when we’re dating in our 50s. But that doesn’t mean we should be focused on the past.
If you’re spending time with someone new and your date talks about crazy exes, past traumas, or a bad relationship, this can be a major red flag.
Not only does this red flag mean they probably aren’t over their previous relationship, but it also shows that they haven’t taken much responsibility for the failure of their relationship. This is something particularly important to look out for when dating a divorced person.
Keep an Eye Out for Red Flags in a Relationship
Starting a new relationship is meant to be a time of happiness and excitement, but those rose-tinted glasses we often wear can hide red flags and keep you from finding someone you share a true, deep connection with.
If you or your family members notice any red flags in your relationship or you have a bad gut feeling about someone you’re dating, it’s important to spend time exploring these feelings before you enter a committed relationship.
Check out other posts on our blog to get more relationship advice to help you find the one.
If you’re ready to get back into the dating world, why not sign up for early access to the Finding The One app?
FAQs
What Are Some Red Flags to Look Out for in Online Dating in Your 50s?
Two main red flags to be cautious of when online dating are dating profiles with limited information and refusal to meet up face-to-face. Also, be wary of anyone asking for financial aid early in the relationship.
What Are Early Signs of a Potentially Unhealthy Romantic Relationship?
Intense communication habits such as frequent messages or calls and rushing the relationship are early potential red flags. Pressuring you to take significant steps like moving in together or getting engaged very early on are also warning signs.
What Are Some General Relationship Red Flags to Be Aware Of?
Controlling or manipulative behaviour, keeping you or your relationship a secret, and an excessive fixation on past relationships are all red flags to consider in a relationship.
What Are Some Signs of Emotional Abuse in a Relationship?
Signs of emotional abuse might include isolating you from family or friends, undermining your self-esteem, monitoring your actions, stonewalling, showing jealousy, or gaslighting.
How Can the Finding The One App Help Avoid Red Flags?
The Finding The One app uses smart algorithms to make sure you’re matched with people who share the same interests, passions, and lifestyles as you. To give you added security, we’re very selective with the people we allow on our app to help you avoid walking red flags and find a healthy relationship.
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