We all have past mistakes and failures, words we wish we wouldn't have said, and choices we wish we wouldn't have made. We deal with enough guilt and regret on our own, but that burden can be made even heavier when someone we're connected to continues to bring it up. Whether it's a friend or a family member, when that person consistently reminds me of my shortcomings, that's a warning sign that something is unhealthy in our relationship. So what are some of the dangers of having my past mistakes revisited again and again? And what do I do when this other person can't seem to let the past go?
"Red flags" serve as warning signs. A burger restaurant that serves "bargain sushi"? That's a red flag. A used car dealer that says, "This vehicle has only been in two previous accidents"? That's a red flag. But what about red flags in relationships? Whether it's in a friendship, a dating relationship, or a marriage, we need to pay attention to red flags that may be warning us that there is something unhealthy in our connection with that other person. What are some of the more common relationship red flags? And what are spiritually and emotionally healthy ways of dealing with those warning signs?