We’ve all gotten pretty good at spotting red flags — emotional unavailability, inconsistent texting, the subtle (or not-so-subtle) signs that someone’s not ready for real intimacy. But what about the other side of the spectrum? The green flags — the behaviors that quietly signal emotional maturity and long-term potential.

In this episode, I’m flipping the script. I’ll walk you through the 5 green flags that predict lasting love — the therapist’s cheat sheet to recognizing when someone is actually relationship material. And here’s the twist: Most of these green flags are learnable skills. That means you can cultivate them in yourself as much as you can look for them in others.

Whether you’re single and dating or in a relationship and wanting to deepen your connection, this episode will help you recognize the traits that actually sustain love over time — not just spark it.

Here’s What You’ll Learn

• Why emotional regulation is the ultimate green flag — and how it predicts how safe you’ll feel in a relationship.

• How repair attempts after conflict reveal long-term potential (hint: it’s not about avoiding fights).

• The small, often-missed signs of empathy, accountability, and curiosity — the real markers of relational health.

• If you’ve ever wondered what actually separates relationships that last from those that don’t, this is the episode for you. Because the truth is, chemistry might get you in the door — but green flags are what keep you there.

  Xxoo Darcy

  PS: If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who could use a little hope about what healthy love really looks like.

  REFERENCES/RESOURCES

  www.alternativescounseling.com

  CREDITS

  “We Need To Talk With Dr. Darcy Sterling” is a Sterling Standard Production. Editing and sound engineering by Bart Migal. Our theme music is by Trending Music. Special thanks to Amanda Cristiani and Robyn Jaenchen.

  DISCLAIMER

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  Watch this episode here on YouTube.