Dr. Laura Blog

When something seems too good to be true, it usually is. But what about when you think you've found the perfect guy? How do you know you're falling in love and not into a trap? Here are a few romantic behaviors that seem great at first but really are red flags.

• He pushes for sex, shacking up, or marriage way too soon. When a guy wants to lock you down quickly, it’s not about love. He may use the word “love”, but it’s not. If the relationship can’t last two years of courtship, family, and growing together, it ain’t love.

• He’s a mama’s boy. Relationships with mothers are like salt in soup - a little bit is wonderful but too much is terrible. You want a guy who will ask for his mother’s input but in no way does she dictate his life. He should be independent and able to make decisions without getting her approval first.  

• He makes a point of giving you lots of presents. It’s not generosity - he’s buying love and sex.

• He always compliments and always shows affection. The key word here is “always”. You have to be really careful when a guy is in overdrive to do romantic things. His intentions may seem honorable, but they really are disturbed.