Green Flag: Communication

When communication is your biggest green flag, the two of you talk, and it works. You share the small things from your day, say what you mean without making the other person guess, and listen without planning your reply.

It shows up in ordinary moments. You check in with a look across a busy room. You can say that something bothered you without it turning into a fight. You ask questions and remember the answers.

This is a strength to lean on because most problems are easier once they are said out loud. A couple who can talk can work out money, family, sex and plans for the future, one conversation at a time.

What keeps it strong: protect the time you spend talking. Put the phones down for part of the evening, keep asking questions you do not know the answer to, and say the good things out loud too, not only the things that need fixing.