Forget red flags, beige flags are the latest dating phenomenon
What's the story
You are probably familiar with red flags and green flags in relationships.
But there's a new color making its mark in the dating world: beige.
Popular on TikTok and other social media platforms, beige flags represent concerns that aren't total deal-breakers.
They are like a middle ground between red flags and green flags.
Keep reading as we uncover more about beige flags.
Beige flags
What do beige flags represent?
Beige flags indicate uninteresting personalities or those lacking originality.
If a potential date has photos with puppies, mentions "I love sports," or gives references to cliché web series on their online profile, it might be a beige flag.
Common phrases like "living life to the fullest" or, "looking for my partner in crime" or, leaving the bio section blank could also mean the same.
Difference
How are beige flags different from red flags?
Red flags serve as warning signs of potential future challenges in a relationship.
For example, a partner avoiding difficult conversations, gossiping about their ex, or withholding affection.
Green flags represent considerate partners who respect your boundaries and seek clarity when needed.
Now, beige flags lie somewhere in the middle. They are subtle signs that make us think if the person is date-worthy or not.
Origin
The term was coined by a TikToker named Caitlyn MacPhil
Caitlyn MacPhil, an American TikToker, brought the term into the spotlight with her video series called "R U Beige."
In this series of videos, she highlights signs that might suggest someone is quite boring.
In one of her videos, she gives examples, including: "Having an opinion on whether pineapple belongs on pizza" or "Any reference to extremely mainstream sitcoms."
Examples
Internet users are giving their own examples of beige flags
Users took to the comments section to contribute their own examples of beige flags.
Some examples mentioned were lines like "fluent in sarcasm" and behaviors like "guys who include professional wedding photos of them dancing" or people poking fun at those who listed coffee as an interest.
"Everyone drinks coffee, it's not a personality trait," wrote one user.
New definition
The term now carries a broader meaning
Over the past few months, the term has taken on fresh meaning.
Apart from being seen as warning signs, people are now using beige flags to lovingly describe their partner's funny or cute traits.
Beige flags are now more of a way to appreciate and celebrate the adorable things that make their relationships special, making dating more enjoyable and playful.
Twitter Post
Her boyfriend's beige flag: Constant updates on his actions
my boyfriend’s beige flag is that he tells me everything he’s doing. like the smallest movement in his life and he will tell me about it. he will text me about cutting a friend’s birthday cake and what colour dal he’s eating and what he’s ordering for dinner he tells me all of it
— hoe for malai tikka (@nandyywho) May 30, 2023
Twitter Post
Here's a different example
I fucking love beige flags pic.twitter.com/u6X7Czy2wj
— Sketchဗ (@shockarock) May 26, 2023
Fatigue
Beige flags may be a reflection of dating fatigue
Beige flags may also indicate dating fatigue.
In an interview with Metro UK, relationship expert Jessica Anderson states, "People are fed up with going on dates with just anyone. We're all busy and we don't want to waste an evening sitting opposite someone we aren't compatible with in any way. This has meant that people's standards for dating app profiles have gone up."
Fad or not
Are beige flags just trendy or a valid concept?
The beige flag trend has gained attention in the dating world, but whether it is just a passing fad or a legitimate term is subjective.
Some people find beige flags provide an additional layer of insight into potential partners whether they are date-worthy or not.
If it catches on and many find it meaningful, it could become a common term in the dating world.