Friendships are rarely perfect, but they do reveal patterns, little signs that say stay or step back. Sometimes, you notice them early. Other times, only in hindsight.

Red flags are often quiet. Constant one-upping. Only calling when they need something. Dismissing how you feel, even as a joke. You start to feel small around them, or drained after hanging out. If they don’t celebrate your wins, or only show up when things fall apart, that’s worth noticing.

Then there are green flags. The friend who listens without interrupting. Checks in without a reason. Respects your boundaries, doesn’t flinch when you say “no.” Someone who remembers the little things, not to impress you, but because they care.

Green flags look like mutual effort. Shared joy. The kind of quiet comfort where you don’t need to perform to be liked.

It’s easy to brush off red flags as quirks, or to assume green flags are rare. But friendships, like any relationship, should feel safe. Honest. Human.

You don’t need perfect people. Just ones who care enough to try, and let you do the same.