When it comes to dating, we often talk about what we consider to be “red flags” and “green flags” of potential partners.
A red flag might be a partner who dodges questions or keeps secrets. A green flag might be someone who is good at communication or plans meaningful trips.
But as one TikToker found out, the internet, and the public at large, doesn’t always agree on which is which.
Woman’s ‘green flag’ about her husband gets twisted
TikTok creator Reema Patel (@reemapatel00) posted a lighthearted clip about her husband that has since sparked some heated debate.
Her video, which has been viewed more than 680,300 times, was supposed to be a sweet anecdote. Instead, it turned into a debate about the promiscuity of Iceland.
“I knew I was marrying a green flag when he picked Iceland as his bachelor party destination,” Patel said. “Like, OK, go off, king, go watch the Northern Lights with your BFFs.”
Viewers weren’t convinced
The reaction in the comments, though, was far from what she expected. For many viewers, Iceland wasn’t the wholesome, romantic destination Patel imagined. It was quite the opposite.
“Icelandic women are almost literally the most beautiful women in the world,” one person wrote.
Another shared, “Omg my husband cheated on me in Iceland.”
Others piled on with jokes like “perfect post for ‘who’s gonna tell her’” and “she must not know about Iceland lmaooo.”
But not everyone agreed that Iceland spelled trouble.
“Y’all need to realize that if they’re gonna cheat—they’re gonna cheat. Location doesn’t change a thing,” one user argued.
“Don’t listen to the comments. Iceland is gorgeous—I’ve been 3 times,” shared another. “Tell him to get up early one day and drive the whole south coast. It’s stunning. They’ll have the best time.”
Why Iceland might’ve sparked this reaction
Part of it might come down to Iceland’s cultural reputation. Compared to many countries, Iceland has a more open and casual attitude toward sex and nudity, as reported by the Rooster.
One Icelandic blogger also explained that talking about sex is so common there, it hardly raises eyebrows.
“I do talk about my sex life (or lack of!) and my friends’ sex life on an almost daily basis,” she wrote, recalling how even pointing out a past hookup while hanging out with someone you don’t know well wasn’t seen as unusual.
Women buying drinks for men, openly flirting, or being straightforward about sex is also completely normal.
That cultural openness has fueled stereotypes. In the 1990s and early 2000s, Icelandair ran provocative campaigns with slogans like “Fancy a dirty Weekend in Iceland?” and “One Night Stand in Reykjavík.”
These ads, paired with media portrayals—including a pickup artist’s guidebook titled Bang Iceland—cemented the idea that Iceland is a hookup hotspot.
But Icelanders themselves push back on these portrayals. While casual sex isn’t stigmatized, locals point out that doesn’t mean people will sleep with just anyone.
As the Icelandic blogger noted, “Just because I (and other Icelandic girls) can talk freely about sex does NOT mean that I (or they) will sleep with anyone or everyone.”
@reemapatel00 Go off king #greenflag ♬ original sound – Reema
The Mary Sue has reached out to Patel via email for more information.
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Ljeonida Mulabazi
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