Let’s be honest: At some point in our lives, we’ve all been guilty of fooling ourselves.

Whether it’s ignoring red flags in a relationship or justifying bad habits, it’s easy to get caught up in our own narratives and disregard reality. But it’s important to recognize when you’re fooling yourself, as it can lead to negative consequences down the line. Here are seven signs to look out for:.

1. Justifying bad behavior

One of the most common signs of fooling yourself is justifying bad behavior. Maybe you know binge-watching Netflix until 3 a.m. isn’t the healthiest choice, but you tell yourself you deserve it because you had a long day.

Or perhaps you continue to make excuses for a partner who’s not treating you well. Whatever the case may be, if you find yourself rationalizing harmful behavior, it’s time to take a step back and reevaluate.

2. Ignoring red flags

Similar to justifying bad behavior, ignoring red flags is another sign that you might be fooling yourself. Maybe you’re dating someone who seems great on paper, but your gut is telling you something’s off.

Or perhaps you’re considering a job offer that has some major downsides, but you keep brushing them aside. Whatever the situation, if you’re ignoring warning signs, it’s time to start paying attention.

3. Blaming others for your problems

It’s easy to place blame on others for the issues in our lives, but doing so can indicate that we’re not taking responsibility for our own actions.

If you find yourself constantly blaming coworkers, friends, or family members for your problems, it’s time to look at the role you’re playing in those situations.

4. Refusing to ask for help

Another sign that you might be fooling yourself is if you’re refusing to ask for help when you need it. Whether it’s a mental health issue or a problem at work, sometimes we can’t solve everything on our own.

If you find yourself struggling and too prideful to reach out for assistance, it’s time to put aside your ego and ask for help.

5. Being defensive

When someone points out something negative about us or our behavior, it’s natural to feel defensive.

But if you find yourself constantly getting defensive or denying claims about yourself, it could be a sign that you’re not being honest with yourself. Take a deep breath, step back, and consider if there’s any validity to the criticism you’re receiving.

6. Procrastinating

Most of us procrastinate from time to time, but if it’s become a habit, it can indicate that we’re not being truthful with ourselves about what we need to get done.

If you find yourself constantly putting things off until the last minute or avoiding necessary tasks altogether, it’s time to confront what’s holding you back.

7. Feeling unfulfilled

Lastly, if you’re feeling unfulfilled in life or like something is missing, it could be a sign that you’re fooling yourself about what truly makes you happy.

It’s easy to get caught up in societal expectations or what we think will bring us success and happiness, but sometimes those things don’t align with our true desires. Take some time to consider what truly brings you joy and fulfillment, and adjust accordingly.