 Do you know what red and green flags actually mean? There's been a lot of talk in the mental health and wellness community lately about them. You might know that red flags refer to negative undesirable characteristics and behaviors. Green flags are their positive and healthy counterparts, which contribute to emotional maturity, healthy communication skills, and a willingness to form positive relationships. And both can exist. So if you've ever wondered what some green flags in you might be, then here are seven psychologically backed examples. Emotional management. In a very well-mined article by psychology and healthcare journalist Kendra Cherry and Shereen Lehmann, they explain, emotionally intelligent people know that emotions can be powerful, but also temporary. Hence, they take some time before responding. So if you've learned to take control of your emotions, then you know how to create a pause between stimulus and response so as to not let your feelings cloud your judgment. Nuanced understanding. Empathetic and open-minded. You'll understand that people and situations aren't black or white. You aren't judgmental or rigid in your thinking, which makes you easily able to see things from other people's perspectives. And according to psychologist Chenjani Mukherjee, open-minded people experience deeper satisfaction, inner peace, and better critical thinking skills. Good self-worth. According to licensed therapist Dr. Brian Kaplan, this is a green flag because it means that you are confident and secure in your own sense of self-worth. You have a good grasp of your strengths and weaknesses, and you're also aware of how your behavior affects others. You're willing to work on your flaws and can easily admit when you're wrong. You don't blame others for your mistakes or badmouth someone out of jealousy. Positive self-talk. Another important green flag is having a positive and empowering inner dialogue. According to Abbey Medical News Today article, positive self-talk is good for your mental health and relationships because it improves your ability to cope with anxiety and mental stress. Examples of positive self-talk are, I'm really happy for myself, I'm doing well, or that's not great, but it could be worse. It's only temporary. I'll be alright. No guilt. According to the National Institute for Mental Health, self-care is essential for taking care of our mental health. But most people tend to feel guilty or are made to feel guilty about it because they mistakenly believe it to be selfish or self-indulgent, but as the organization explains, self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. Independent. According to psychologist Dr. Barton Goldsmith, having a healthy, interdependent relationship, be it romantic or platonic, means that you are able to have a life outside of your partner, such as being able to enjoy time alone, have your own hobbies and friends, and set healthy boundaries for one another. The healthiest way we can interact with those close to us is by being truly interdependent, says Dr. Goldsmith. This is where two people, both strong individuals, are involved with each other but without sacrificing themselves or compromising their values. Positive outlook. Last but certainly not least, having a positive mindset and attitude is an important green flag because it's the cutest success in life. According to mental health researcher Courtney Ackerman and psychologist Dr. William Smith. Why? Because people with positive outlooks have a strong sense of belief in themselves and their ability to improve whatever negative circumstances they may find themselves in. They are also better able to adapt to changes and bounce back from setbacks and challenges. In other words, more resilient. So do you relate to any of the things we've mentioned here? Which of these green flags do you see in yourself? By recognizing the green flags in ourselves, we can feel more confident in our ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. These green flags may also indicate self-growth. So if you notice any of these in yourself, congratulations. These are all important qualities for building healthy relationships and leading a fulfilling life. What are some other green flags in yourself we might have missed? Let us know in the comments down below. And if you enjoyed this video, please like and share it with friends and family. Until next time, take care.