You’ve heard TikTok users and other social media influencers talking about beige flags, but what does it mean? Does everybody have beige flags? Can these traits influence your relationships? Let’s talk about these neutral yet meaningful quirks.
Definition: Beige Flag Meaning
Let’s start with a definition. The term beige flag was first used by TikTok user, Itscaito in 2022. Beige flag refers to behavior that may be neutral to some, but odd or eccentric to others. This reference is based on red and green flags that are used to indicate warning signs and desireable behaviors in a partner.
Neither you nor your partner’s beige flags are necessarily good or bad. Remember that beige is a neutral color. How the term beige flag is meant depends on a person’s point of view.
Do Beige Flags Make You a Boring Person?
Beige doesn’t always mean boring. Your beige flags are often the quirky things that make you the person you are. They simply don’t raise alarm bells the way that green and red flags do.
Now, a beige flag could be boring to somebody who just doesn’t find that particular characteristic all that noteworthy. This doesn’t mean it’s a turnoff. It simply means it’s a trait that doesn’t matter much to them.
Common Examples of Beige Flags
You’ve probably seen posts on social media of people sharing their beige flags or asking followers to chime in with their own beige flag behaviors. Here are some of the most common traits that evoke the color beige:
- Only drinking milk if it’s chocolate
- Ordering the same pizza every time
- Setting multiple alarms on their phone and snoozing all of thenm
- Never wearing matched socks
- Leaving half finished cans of soda on the table
- Referring to themselves in the third person
- Badly imitating every dance trend they see online
- Having to dry clothing multiple times because they don’t empty the dryer
- Sending quirky videos with no context
- Never sitting anywhere other than their preferred seat
- Always going to bed before ten
- Using divided plates so their food doesn’t touch
- Starting but never completing profiles on dating apps
- Inability to go a single day without eating a bowl of ice cream
- Calling every dog they encounter Buddy
- Dipping all of their food in ranch dressing
Why do Beige Flags Count?
Yes, beige flags count just as much as green flags or red flags. What makes these weird personality quirks such a big deal? It’s all about compatibility. The gray flag behaviors you see may end up being the things that endear a person to you, or that end up driving a wedge between you.
For example, if you find that you and your date have the same beige flag trait, you suddenly have something to talk about. This can be a relatable thing that the two of you share and understand about one another. Then again, it’s possible that a beige flag could drive you up the wall – even if it is a behavior you engage in yourself.
Beige flags can also be a bit sneaky. With red or green flags, it’s easier to decide if something is a dealbreaker or not. For example, financial irresponsibilty might be a red flag you just can’t look past.
Green flags like kindness to animals may melt your heart. Meanwhile, you may not notice a beige flag until you suddenly realize it’s the most annoying or endearing thing ever.
Recognizing And Sharing Your Beige Flags
Beige flags are earning a new meaning in the world of dating. People are increasingly noticing these odd or quirky behaviors that aren’t necessarily wrong or bad, but could raise your partner’s eyebrows.
A beige flag doesn’t indicate significant problems, but can indicate personality quirks that might be cute or just a bit strange. When you recognize your own beige flags, you give the other person a clear sign of your self-awareness. This shows your ability to reflect on your behaviors and be honest about yourself.
Talk about your beige flags to boost understanding and improve communication. For example, you may narrate your life like a movie rather than having an inner dialogue.
Your new boyfriend or girlfriend might be put off by this, but you can disarm them a bit if you just explain that it’s one of your beige flag quirks. That way it doesn’t become a negative issue. Rember to focus on honesty and a bit of humor the first time you discuss these things. Don’t be afraid of judgment.
Finally, beige flags can make dating interesting. Unlike red flags that might drive a person away, a beige flag can make a relationship interesting. You may find that you in your date are in total agreement that every car should have a silly nickname. The things you do that other peop[le find to be odd could be a sign that this person is really the one for you. If nothing else, these strange habits can make for great discussions. It’s all about honesty and keeping your relationships authentic.
Learning About Your Partner’s Beige Flags
Eventually, you’re going to find out that your partner has beige flags too. It’s just a part of every relationship. Ideally, you will learn about these habits and oddities early on. That way you can decide if this other person is relationship material or you should date others.
So, how do you get a potential partner to be open about themselves? Start by being honest about your own personality, likes, and dislikes. Don’t put on a persona. Then, make it safe for them to be themselves.
One way to do this is to avoid expressing negative judgments of others. Remember if your partner sees you constantly mocking or criticizing others, they’re going to expect you to do that to them as well. If they see you as a safe, accepting person, they won’t feel bad about sharing who they truly are when you are around.
Can Beige Flags be Green Flags or Red Flags Too?
Yes, beige flags can reveal themselves to be green or red flags in a relationship. That’s because all of these things are subjective.
For instance, you might identify a beige flag in a relationship that just gives you the creeps. That could be a sign that your intuition is telling you something, or it’s a trauma response from a negative relationship in your past. That may not be a red flag to everybody, but if it gives you pause, you should treat it that way.
Conversely, beige flags can become absolutely endearing in the right relationship. You may have a sudden moment where you realize that those silly videos your partner makes are the most adorable thing about them.
Embrace Your Beige Flag Traits
Take some time to think about and embrace your own beige flags. Learn to love the unique traits that make you the person you are. This isn’t about following a trend. Instead, the idea is to create more accepting spaces where individuality is seen as a good thing. That can only lead to more meaningful connections.
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