Students at SUNY Old Westbury will have the opportunity to unpack the complexities of modern relationships at the upcoming event “Is It Love or Lust? A Red, Yellow & Green Flag Conversation” taking place Monday, April 13 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Hall 3 Lounge.
Hosted by the Theta Chapter of Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. in collaboration with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the event aims to create an open, judgement-free space where students can explore relationship dynamics, recognize warning signs and better understand the difference between genuine connection and surface-level attraction.
“We really wanted to form an educational event… highlighting modern relationships,” said Kimberly Luna, a 2025 alumna involved in organizing the program. “The toxic side of relationships is often romanticized in the media, and the bad signs are not always talked about.”
The interactive event will focus on identifying red flags, yellow flags and green flags in relationships. Attendees can expect group discussions, role-playing activities and opportunities to actively participate by evaluating different scenarios.
“It’s an interactive dialogue,” Luna explained. “Students will get to engage, share their thoughts and even decide for themselves: “Is this a red flag or a green flag?’”
Organizers said one of the biggest challenges students face is distinguishing between love and lust, especially in a social media-driven culture.
“Sometimes people confuse things like love bombing with real interest,” Luna said. “There’s a lot of miscommunication, and important conversations – like intentions and consent – are not always happening.”
Jaden Blackwood, an alumnus of Alpha Phi Alpha, emphasized how platforms like Instagram and Tik Tok can blur those lines even further.
“A lot of people base what they think love or lust looks like off social media,” Blackwood said. “But real-life relationships are different. People need to learn how to distinguish between the two.”
The event will also break down what different “flags” can look like in everyday situations. Red flags may include controlling behavior or emotional inconsistency, while green flags center on honesty, communication, and mutual respect. Yellow flags, organizers say, represent behaviors that may need improvement but can be addressed through open conversations.
Beyond education, the event is rooted in building community.
“We really just wanted to create a space where students feel supported,” Luna said. “Sometimes it is easier to talk to someone new than to your close friends about what you’re going through.”
The collaboration between the two organizations also reflects their shared commitment to unity and dialogue.
“It is important to get different perspectives,” Blackwood said. “We could have done this alone, but having both organizations involved makes the conversation stronger.”
Open to all students, faculty, and campus organizations, the event encourages anyone interested in relationships, communication or personal growth to attend.
As conversations around dating and relationships continue to evolve, events like this aim to give students the tools to navigate them more confidently – and more consciously.
“We just want people to walk away knowing they deserve healthy, honest relationships—and that they’re not alone in figuring that out,” Luna said.
Is It Love or Lust? A Red, Yellow & Green Flag Conversation. Monday, April 13 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in The Woodlands Halls, hall 3 lounge. Free admission.
