This Complex Life

10 Relationship Red Flags You Should Never Ignore


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Not all red flags are loud or obvious. Some show up in small, repeated moments that leave you feeling uneasy.

In this episode of This Complex Life, I unpack 10 relationship red flags you shouldn’t ignore. These aren’t just the dramatic ones like cheating or lying, they’re the quieter patterns that can slowly wear you down over time.

I talk about how to tell the difference between a red flag and a misunderstanding, what emotional safety really means, and how to use discomfort as a signal to reflect, not overreact.

Key takeaways:

  • Why red flags aren’t always a reason to leave (but still matter)
  • How disrespect, sarcasm or subtle put-downs can erode safety
  • The importance of accountability and emotional maturity
  • Why repeated boundary-pushing isn’t just annoying, it’s a warning
  • What to look for when it comes to emotional manipulation
  • Signs of poor frustration tolerance and conditional kindness
  • How to use red flags as prompts for reflection, not panic

Resources:

  • Listen to the previous episode on trust: https://marievakakis.com.au/why-love-isnt-enough-when-trust-is-missing/ 
  • Relationship Refresh course: https://www.marievakakis.com.au/courses

If this episode stirred something for you, you’re not alone. These conversations are hard but they matter.

Connected Teens

https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/

Connect with Marie

https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

https://marievakakis.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

Submit a question to the Podcast

https://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6

Mentioned in this episode:

Join me live Jan 28th for the Relationship New Year Reset

https://marievakakis.com.au/relationship-new-year-reset-2026/

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This Complex LifeBy Marie Vakakis

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