5 Red Flags That Aren’t as Cute as You Think

We’ve all been there. Someone does something a little odd, and instead of trusting our gut, we say, “Oh, that’s just their quirk.” Spoiler alert: quirks don’t usually ghost you, drain your bank account, or eat the last slice of pizza without asking.

Here are five “quirky” behaviors that are actually 🚩 red flags in disguise:

1. They say they’re “bad at texting,”  which actually means they’re not that eager to stay in touch. Phones are a two-way street.

2. They “don’t believe in labels,” that’s code for: they want the relationship perks without the commitment paperwork.

3. They’re always “too busy." If they’re too busy to make time for you now, trust me, it won’t magically get better later.

4. They call their ex “crazy”
   Unless their ex was auditioning for a Lifetime thriller, this is a sign they’re dodging their accountability.

5. They only make plans at the last minute. Spontaneity is fun, but chronic last-minute invites? That’s someone keeping you as Plan B.

Quick Takeaway

If you catch yourself saying, “It’s kinda cute,” when it’s a 🚩, it’s probably time to rethink things. Chemistry is fun, but consistency is sexier.

👉 Have you overlooked a “quirk” that later turned into a full-blown disaster? Share your story in the comments—I promise you’re not the only one.

The WELL Method: How to Vet a Partner Without Losing Your Sanity

Dating nowadays is similar to shopping online: many options, lots of filters... and half of what appears isn't what you ordered. (Looking at you, “6-foot athletic type” who turns out to be 5’7” with a gym membership he used once.)

That’s why I created the WELL Method—my go-to checklist for figuring out if someone is worth your time before you end up emotionally bankrupt.

What Is the WELL Method?

The WELL Method stands for Worthy, Energy, Lifestyle Fit, and Legacy Alignment. Think of it as a dating compass:

1. Worthy – Do they recognize your value, and more importantly, do you? Do you feel seen or just watched?

2. Energy – How do you feel when you’re around them? Drained, anxious, lit up, safe? Energy doesn’t lie.

3. Lifestyle – Are your worlds even remotely compatible? You can’t merge with someone who wants kids, while you’re planning a solo “Eat, Pray, Love” reboot.

4. Legacy – Do you share similar visions for the future? Are you trying to build a future, find a good time, or just pass the time?

Why It Works

Because the WELL Method forces you to slow down.

• Instead of swiping right based on cheekbones or charisma, you’re asking: Do they fit my life?

• Instead of ignoring red flags (you know, the ones we all claim we “didn’t see”), you’re spotting them early.

• Instead of hoping chemistry will magically turn into commitment, you’re checking if they can walk the talk.

A Personal Example

The Bunny Slipper Breakup

Once upon a time, I dated a man I probably should’ve side-stepped. He was five years older, 6’5” to my 5’3”, and so tall I had to stand on a chair just to kiss him. At first, it felt romantic — he pursued me like I was the crown jewel of his kingdom. He’d pick me up from home and drive me to school — a grand total of three blocks. Then he’d come back on his lunch break, whisk me off to eat, and return me safely home like some overzealous chauffeur.

At first, I thought: Wow, chivalry is not dead.
But it turns out what I mistook for kindness was actually obsession disguised as attention.

The reality check hit one evening when he stopped by, insisted I take a ride with him, and then got mad when I tried to talk about how closely he was watching my every move. His fix? Kick me out of the car.

Twenty city blocks away from home. After dark. Wearing fluffy bunny slippers.

Let me share something — nothing dissolves a romantic daydream faster than navigating cracked sidewalks and uncertain street corners while you're dressed for a comfy pajama party. That was quite a long, humbling, yet eye-opening walk.

Lesson Learned

If someone’s love feels like a security detail, it’s not romance — it’s control. Don’t just listen to the sweet words. Watch how they show up in every part of your life. Attention that smothers isn’t love. It’s a red flag with a chauffeur’s license.

Your Turn

So, here’s your challenge: take the next person you’re interested in—or even your current partner—and run them through the WELL filter. Do they measure up? Or are they just “well… maybe not”?

👉 Share your WELL wins or disasters in the comments. Or, if you’d rather spill your tea privately, join the 2-OYS mailing list. You’ll also get the free ABT Compatibility Chart—because dating with a cheat sheet is way more fun.

Stop Dating the Wrong Letters: How ABT Decodes Love & Laughs

We’ve all said it: “I must have a type.”

Tall. Funny. Plays guitar. Or maybe he's just... emotionally unavailable but with great hair. (Don’t worry, I’ve been there, too.)

But what if your “type” isn’t about looks, hobbies, or the size of their shoe collection? What if your type is hiding in plain sight—in their last name letter?

Welcome to the AlphaBet Theory (ABT), where love, laughter, and the alphabet come together.

My “Letter” Problem

I used to think I had a “type.” Turns out, I had a letter.

I kept falling for the “R” boys—Barry R., Larry R. (Yes, brothers. Don’t judge me—I was young, and the heart makes questionable decisions). Let’s say they weren’t exactly cosmic soulmates. Looking back, I should have seen the pattern stamped right there in their names.

That was when I started connecting the dots—or rather, the letters. And the AlphaBet Theory was born.

The 5 Subgroups of ABT

Here’s the main idea: your last name sorts you into one of five compatibility groups.

• A–E: The Grounded Builders – idealistic, loyal, and practical.

• F–L: The Steady Hearts -  warm, nurturing, and reliable.

• M–N: The Charming Whirlwinds – charismatic, spontaneous, and fun.

• O–T: The Deep Divers – introspective, intense, and stubborn.

• U–Z: The Wild Cards — bold, go with the flow, and unpredictable.

Some groups spark instant chemistry (hello, fireworks)—others... not so much (more like a fire hazard).

But the best part? Once you understand your group, you can spot red flags, green lights, and “proceed with caution” signs before you get ghosted, breadcrumbed, or stuck in another relationship that feels like a Netflix drama without the binge-watch payoff.

Why You’ll Love This Journey

In my book, Stop Dating the Wrong Letters, you’ll:

• Understand what your subgroup uncovers about your love style.

• Learn my WELL Method (a smart way to vet dates without losing your mind).

• Spot the red and green flags in dating before you waste your best mascara.

• Get practical tools for building genuine relationships—with humor, wisdom, and a touch of sass.

Your Turn: What’s Your “Letter”?

Now it’s your turn—who’s your letter? Have you kept falling for the same initials over and over? (It’s okay. We’ve all had our “Toxic T” or “No-Go N.”)

👉 Share your story in the comments below or join the 2-OYS mailing list to share privately. When you do, you’ll receive a free Compatibility Chart—a quick, handy cheat sheet for identifying your best (and worst) matches at a glance.

Because love is hard enough, decoding it shouldn’t be.