Red flags in early dating are patterns, not single incidents. One late reply means little; repeated disrespect, control, or inconsistency means a lot.

Jokes at your expense that are dismissed when you object, and rudeness to service staff, are early previews of how someone treats people when not impressing you.

Control often starts small: choosing every venue, criticising your friends, questioning your whereabouts, or pushing commitment faster than you want.

If you consistently feel anxious or drained after seeing someone, trust that response. Stepping back early is easier than untangling a pattern months later.