Are there such things as red flags in a male friend? If if so, should they be heeded in the same manner that reg flags in a potential partner would?
I met a bloke online a year ago and after a year of me dallying (because of my instincts, in part) we met, and have hung out twice now. It went fine and we get on v well, but there are odd little things that niggle about his attitude to women, I think he watches porn which would be a dealbreaker in a relationship but not sure about friendships (?), he can be condescending and likes to tease me, so after a few years with my DS's Dad who was an abusive sod, I can often feel like I'm constantly on the defensive around this friend even though it's only done in jest. I don't want to be constantly ribbed by a friend - am I being oversensitive because of my past relationship? Do red flags matter in a friend I have no intention of ever dating?
XP started teasing 'in jest' too and always said I was being oversensitive if I objected, but I have the perspective now to KNOW he was trying to squash me emotionally and it was bullying. Now this friend is exhibiting similar behaviours and I don't know how serious this is.
It sounds really stupid but as I've known him a year (although we only met up in the last month, twice) I feel that 'defriending' him on FB and stopping contact would be odd as well as hurtful, and I'd just come across as a drama-hungry mardy stroppy cow. If I don't defriend him, he'll comment on about 80% of my statuses and I'll feel obliged to respond or else look rude.
I don't even know what's normal anymore, and my judgment about friendships is clouded too, I now see :(
Any perspectives would be welcome.
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Relationships
Red flags in a friend?
SingOut · 19/07/2011 10:23
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