We've spent years learning about relationship 'red flags' - but experts have warned that their lesser known 'amber flag' cousins can prove to be just as dangerous. These are criticism, defensiveness, contempt and stonewalling - four amber flags that they say are 'common but destructive if left unchecked'. What to do about it:You can manage criticism by offering a constructive complaint. Of all the amber flags, this is the nastiest one, because it uses behaviours like sarcasm, mockery and humiliation to cause harm. StonewallingLast but not least of the amber flags is stonewalling.

Source: Daily Mail February 22, 2026 22:28 UTC