We trace a whirlwind romance from a charming reconnection to stark red flags, revealing how mixed signals slowly erode confidence and how boundaries rebuild it. Humor softens the hard truth: stop settling for “better than nothing” and steer yourself back to self-respect. We explore how social proof can blind early judgment and how first-date misalignments quietly reveal conflicting values. We unpack why public rudeness is a predictor of contempt and how early love-bombing often gives way to sudden withdrawal. We look at the emotional toll of waiting by the phone, and the turning point of choosing to reclaim agency. We reveal how caretaking and over-functioning can mask relationship gaps, and the importance of naming and exiting a situationship. Finally, we share practical rules for spotting red flags and setting healthy boundaries.