Part of the Mental Health & Relationships Series with David Yeager, LCSW-C
Welcome to the first installment of our new blog series, where Aunty Christine gets real about the tricky terrain of dating, love, and everything in between—with a little expert help from David Yeager, LCSW-C, at Tortally Therapeutics.
So let’s set the scene: You’ve swiped right. The butterflies are flapping. The late-night texts are fire. But somewhere in that honeymoon haze, something feels… off. Just a flicker. A tiny twinge in your gut. You brush it off, because “maybe I’m just overthinking.”
Spoiler alert: You might not be.
According to David, there are early signs—red flags, if you will—that can predict the storm clouds ahead. And learning to spot them? That’s not just savvy, it’s self-care with lipstick on.
🚩1. Inconsistent Communication
You know the type: One day they’re sending heart emojis and playlists. The next, radio silence. David calls this emotional unavailability, and it can be the emotional equivalent of whiplash. “Consistency builds trust,” he says, and if that’s missing early on, it’s worth a pause.
🚩2. Disrespecting Boundaries
If someone’s constantly pushing your limits—whether it’s physical, emotional, or just not respecting your time—it’s a no from us. Fast-forwards, guilt-tripping, or brushing off your ‘no’? That’s not love, that’s a red flag waving in high def.
🚩3. Love Bombing (a.k.a. Emotional Fireworks on Day 3)
Too much too soon isn’t always romantic. David warns that excessive flattery, big declarations, and smothering attention can sometimes mask control issues. “Healthy relationships grow steadily,” he reminds us. Think slow roast, not microwave.
🚩4. The Ex Files (and Who’s to Blame)
If every story about their ex ends with “she was crazy,” buckle up. David says a lack of accountability or self-reflection is a major red flag. We all have a history—but how someone tells it speaks volumes about where they are now.
🚩5. Watch How They Treat Others
If they’re rude to waitstaff, trash-talk coworkers, or speak badly about their family, pay attention. David highlights this as a key insight into a person’s character. “Consistent kindness and respect are essential traits for a good partner.”
🚩6. You Feel Anxious More Than You Feel Safe
This one hits home. If you’re constantly wondering where you stand, rereading texts, or feeling like you’re walking on emotional eggshells—listen to your nervous system. It knows things. Dating should feel like warm sun, not unpredictable weather.
🧭 Where Aunty Christine Stands
We’ve all been there—hoping red flags are just pink, giving the benefit of the doubt, or chalking things up to nerves. But now, more than ever, I’m learning to trust my gut, not gaslight it. And honestly? That’s growth.
What David shares here is simple but powerful: You don’t need to wait for disaster to listen to your instincts. Red flags don’t mean you’re dramatic or broken—they mean you’re wise enough to check the temperature before you dive all the way in.
Stay tuned for more real talk with David Yeager in this series. We’ll be diving deeper into everything from attachment styles to rebuilding trust after betrayal.
Until then, keep your boundaries strong and your heart even stronger.
🙌 A Big Shout-Out to David Yeager, LCSW-C
This post wouldn’t be possible without the insight and expertise of David Yeager, licensed clinical social worker and founder of Tortally Therapeutics. David brings a fresh, compassionate, and often hilarious perspective to tough topics like mental health, relationships, and personal growth.
In fact, he and his practice were recently featured in a PR Newswire article that spotlights how Tortally Therapeutics is redefining mental health care—drawing inspiration from the quiet strength and symbolic wisdom of tortoises. (Seriously, how on-brand is that for someone helping us spot red flags and move slow and steady toward better relationships?)
If you’re looking for therapy that feels like a conversation with someone who actually gets it, hop over to TortallyTherapeutics.com and check out the incredible work David is doing.
Your mental health deserves someone you can vibe with—and David is that guy. 🐢🧠💬
With love XOXO,
Aunty Christine 🫶🏻💜🤟🏻
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