Red Flags

What personality trait in people raises a red flag with you?

For me, there are several personality traits that raise red flags, and the majority are linked to negative experiences.

The first is anger.  Any time I am faced with a situation that is escalating to a point where anger is anticipated, I withdraw for fear of being hurt, physically, mentally, and emotionally. This results from childhood trauma and domestic violence/abuse.

The second is narcissism. I am acutely aware that narcissism can fuel rage, gaslighting, and loss of control. Due to experiences of all three, I am quick to recognise it in others. This is how I stay safe and protect myself.

The third is ambition. This is a powerful motivator that can blind people to empathy, recognition, and support for others.  Experiences have taught me that this trait can blind a person to the needs of others, resulting in people treading on others in their pursuit of the top.

The fourth is greed. The need for success, fund fluidity, and financial recognition can be all consuming, driving people to do unspeakable things to vulnerable people in order to achieve their goals. Those who scam or intentionally try to use vulnerable people for their own gain sicken me to my core and are destroying my faith in others.  Nowhere is this more rife at present than in the Indie Author arena, where constant emails bombard your Inbox daily trying to use your work as a springboard to fortune.