5 Red Flags About the Emojis Your Partner Is Texting, According to Therapists

Whether you like it or not, texting has become a key method of communication. If you do text often, chances are you're corresponding with your partner or someone you're interested in dating—and probably using emojis. As the name suggests, these little images are intended to express emotion: You might use the crying laughing emoji when something's really funny, or if you keep up with emoji trends, you'll use the skull when a joke is so hilarious, you're "dead." Experts say that emojis can be helpful when chatting with your partner, in particular—but certain emoji habits should send up red flags.

"Like most nonverbal communication, emojis can be a good way to flirt and to supplement the nonverbal signals that are missing in plain text, giving richer meanings/emotions to the text," Beth Ribarsky, PhD, professor of interpersonal communication at the University of Illinois Springfield, tells Best Life.

"They can also be a form of bonding and ritualistic communication—helping solidify the bonds, connections, and/or memories you have with your partner," she adds. "For example, when my partner and I are away from each other, we often text each other a popping champagne bottle emoji with our 'goodnight' text—as a reference back to a funny incident involving a wine cork that happened when we first started dating."

On the flip side, clinical psychologist Carla Marie Manly, PhD, says that emojis that "signal chronic indifference, irritation, or anger" are the ones that you need to keep an eye out for.

With this in mind, there are a few key indicators to be aware of. Read on for five emoji habits that therapists say could be cause for concern.

READ THIS NEXT: 5 Things You're Not Texting Your Partner That Therapists Say You Should Be.