Real Life of an MSW

Blanket Statement

One green flag was when he brought me my favorite coffee order—before I ever mentioned what it was—I thought, ‘Okay, this guy actually pays attention.’ He didn’t just listen; he remembered from our previous coffee outing. Nice green flag.

He also asked me about my work, listened, and then cheered me on like I was scoring the winning goal in the finals. I thought, ‘A real, supportive, emotionally intelligent adult who genuinely cares. Major green flag.

Then one chilly evening, without a word, he handed me the softest, coziest blanket on the couch we were sitting on outside at an event—even though I knew he was cold too. It was such a small thing, but in that moment, I saw someone who wasn’t just kind but truly thoughtful, willing to put my comfort first. That was when I thought, ‘Okay, this guy is something special.’”
April Owens, 54, Boston, MA

Telephone Tipoff

Many of us have a list of characteristics we want to see in a mate. While I was on the dating scene, I was at my wit’s end because all I was seeing were red flags. Then, I met my husband. He displayed several green flags, which restored my hope.

He was a gentleman. He opened doors for me, walked on the side closest to the street, etc. He answered and returned phone calls. We had real conversations that weren’t all via text. He was a father, not just a sperm donor. His love for his children showed in his actions. And lastly, he was gainfully employed! Self-explanatory.
Kendra Bennett, 48, Long Beach, CA