The initial stages of a relationship are incredible. Getting to meet and know someone new is an exciting and thrilling experience.

When you are attracted to another person your brain releases dopamine hormone. Dopamine is a feel-good hormone that brings about a surge of positive feelings and energy.

The dopamine hormone is the number one culprit faulted for making obvious red flags seem rather “pink”.

You may have been talking and it is finally time for a first date. Here are the red flags to look out for. Once you spot them even in the mildest of forms, consider it your cue to run, and don't look back. Spotting the red flags in the early stages will save you the agony of going down an unfruitful and agonizing dating process. Your time is precious and so is your energy.

•Asking to split the bill-ladies, contentious as that may sound, let him foot the bill.No two ways about it. They will probably say they forgot the wallet ad ask you to pay the bill.

Taking care of bills shows generosity and responsibility. Well, unless you want to be the man in the relationship. Run and remember to block them on your way out.

•Raving on and on about personal achievement

While making strides in life should be plausible, every conversation should not be centered around what they own, who they know, and where they’ve been.

•Arrriving late and make excuses to leave early. That communicates a lack of respect for the other person’s time.

•Gives divided attention -keeping your phone away is basic etiquette. Taking a quick glance is permissible because of a quick emergency that may arise.

•Treats Others Disrespectfully. Be keen about how they treat others, especially lesser disadvantaged individuals. It says a lot about their character.

•Reveals scanty information about themselves. On the other hand, there is one who will reveal too much too soon. As advanced by psychologists Altman and Taylor, the social penetration theory suggests that human relationships develop on gradual and mutual disclosure.

•Finally trust your gut-if you highly suspect something is terribly amiss with the person you are seeing then chances are that something is indeed not right. It's only, in the beginning, you can't afford to be making excuses for a stranger.

You might discover more red flags when the relationship is well advanced. The ball falls squarely in your court for you to decide your non-negotiables and what you can compromise on.