Claire Rénier, a relationship expert, points out that certain warning signs in a relationship should never be overlooked, regardless of how strong the attraction or chemistry might be.
Maintaining a healthy relationship can be challenging due to the complexities of human nature. Even if you believe you’ve found the right person, the timing might still be off for a relationship to flourish, leading to a potential mismatch.
When you find someone you want to call your partner, it’s important to remember that no one is perfect, and it’s normal to overlook some minor flaws.
Nonetheless, an expert warns that there are specific ‘red flags’ that should not be ignored, as they may indicate a fundamental incompatibility between you and your partner.
Claire Rénier, a relationship expert with the dating app Happn, shared her insights on identifying these red flags.
She explained: “Early attraction can easily mask differences in how people approach finances, family or political views, but these differing views tend to surface over time.
“One of the clearest red flags is a fundamental misalignment in values.
“If you repeatedly find yourselves disagreeing on what matters most, or compromising in ways that feel uncomfortable, it may be a sign that long-term, authentic compatibility is lacking, even if your chemistry isn’t.”
Rénier also highlighted that while disagreements are normal in any relationship, the way they are handled can indicate the relationship’s potential longevity.
She added: “Another warning sign is if one partner constantly avoids deeper conversations, dismisses the other’s feelings, or struggles to show empathy when times are tough. The relationship can start to feel one-sided, and unbalanced.”
She stressed that genuine compatibility isn’t about never arguing but about feeling emotionally supported and understood.
Discussing another red flag, Rénier linked it to conflict resolution within the relationship.
She stated: “Finally, pay attention to how you resolve disagreements. If arguments often end in shutdowns, defensiveness, or unresolved tension, it can indicate incompatible communication styles.
“If combined with your partner avoiding the deeper or more open conversations, could indicate that they might not be the one for you in the long run. Healthy relationships require a shared willingness to listen, adapt and grow together.”