What are beige flags? Dating expert explains the TikTok trend

A relationship expert has warned singletons to be wary of the latest dating trend to take over TikTok.

Celebrity dating coach James Preece from Buckinghamshire said that ‘beige flags’ are being ‘thrown around too much’ making people overly conscious when dating. 

Coined by TikTok user Caitlin MacPhail, ‘beige flags’ refers to a sign someone is boring, particularly when on dating app. 

Caitlin said her these can include referencing a popular sitcom, having an opinion on pineapple on pizza, hating coriander and having photos with puppies.

However, the term, which has surged in popularity thanks to TikTok, can also refer to a trait in a partner that is neither good nor bad, but can give a romantic interest momentary pause due to its quirky nature. 

Speaking to FEMAIL, James said that the only flags singletons should be looking for are ‘green ones’.   

‘The term “beige flag” can have two meanings when it comes to dating,’ he explained.

‘First of all, it can be mean someone has written a dull, generic dating app profile. Or alternatively, it could mean that a person has spotted something quirky or odd in a partner or potential partner. 

‘As a dating coach, I’m much more familiar with first meaning as it’s something I see every day!’

James explained that a lot of people struggle to write ‘engaging profiles’ and that coming across as boring online doesn’t mean you should write them off.

‘From my experience, most people struggle to write engaging profiles. 

‘Or if they’ve taken time to write an interesting one then they have uninspiring photos. I help people all over the world to write fantastic profiles and I’ve yet to see a perfect one.

James explained that daters need to ‘give people a chance’ and could be eliminating great potential matches by being too harsh with ‘beige flags’ (stock image)

‘It’s not healthy to pick faults in anyone – either in a profile or in a real life. It’s often done to make themselves look good or hide low self-confidence.’

James explained that daters need to ‘give people a chance’ and could be eliminating great potential matches by being too harsh with ‘beige flags’.

‘You need to make your own mind up on a person. Most people struggle to know what to write on their dating profiles, so you have to give everyone a chance. 

‘I don’t agree with the concepts of “flags” at all. The term is thrown around too much nowadays without any real evidence. 

‘It’s similar to trend of claiming all ex partners are narcissists or that they were love bombing you’.

James added that there are some ‘serious things’ people need to be aware of, but it’s more important to remember that every person and situation is different. 

‘It’s much more important to remember that every person and situation is different. 

‘One person’s turn off could be someone else’s turn on. Don’t be too quick to judge or you might just suffer the same fate!

‘My advice is to ask questions about anything you’d like to know. If they are happy to answer then you may well find you like what you hear. 

‘Many people find it easier to talk about themselves in real time rather than having to explain a few words. 

‘You’ll learn much more about whether they are right for you by actually meeting rather than labelling someone.

‘Finally, if you are going to go looking for “flags” then looks for green ones. Focus on what you like rather than what you don’t like and you’ll be much more successful.’