Let me start with a little story. A friend of mine, Sarah, was desperate. She'd fallen for a 'sugar momma' – or so she thought. He promised the world – designer clothes, fancy dinners, trips to Bali. Sounded amazing, right? Except, it was all a mirage. The 'momma' turned out to be broke, with a serious gambling habit. Sarah ended up thousands of dollars in debt, deeply hurt and heartbroken. This isn't a fairytale; it's a cautionary tale. It happens. So let's look at some red flags to watch out for.
Woman looking disappointed and disillusioned | Image: Supplied
If someone is showering you with expensive gifts and promises before you've even properly met, that's a huge red flag. Think about it: why would a stranger be so generous? Genuine relationships build slowly; a rush of lavish gifts usually means something else is going on. It might be a scam, a way to lure you in with the promises of a wealthy lifestyle. Don't get swept away; slow down and assess the situation. What's the real motive?
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They might talk about being 'wealthy', but refuse to go into specifics. They avoid questions about their work or income sources. They might claim a mysterious inheritance or 'offshore accounts'. Genuine wealthy people are usually open about where their money comes from; those who are not are probably hiding something. Dig a little deeper, but do it carefully and safely. Remember, your safety comes first.
Silhouette of a person with stacks of money | Image: Supplied
You barely ever actually meet them. They're constantly 'traveling,' 'in meetings', or have some other excuse for why you can't see them. This is a classic tactic; they keep you emotionally invested while avoiding any real commitment or potential scrutiny. Ask yourself: if this person is truly interested, wouldn't they prioritize spending time with you? In real life, if someone constantly avoids meeting, it usually means they aren't being honest.
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This one's pretty obvious. If they're constantly asking for loans, 'investments', or money for 'emergencies', it's a huge red flag. They might use emotional manipulation to get you to give them money. Trust your gut! No genuine relationship should involve begging for money.
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They might pressure you to make quick decisions, or make you feel guilty if you hesitate. Genuine relationships are built on mutual respect and trust; pressure is a warning sign that something's off. Take your time, do your research, don't let anyone push you into anything you're uncomfortable with.
Person looking stressed and anxious | Image: Supplied
It's easy to fall for the idealized image someone presents online. Remember that profiles, pictures and words can be carefully crafted to make someone seem flawless. Think critically about what you're seeing and hearing. People make mistakes; no one is perfect. If everything seems too good to be true, it probably is.
A person looking perfect and flawless in a photo | Image: Supplied
This is crucial. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts. Your intuition is powerful. Don't ignore that nagging feeling that something's not right, even if you can't put your finger on it. When it comes to relationships, if something feels wrong, it probably is. Don't ignore your intuition. It is important!
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