Are you in an unhealthy relationship? Here are some signs you should watch out for!
Relationships should be supportive, respectful, and loving. But sometimes they can turn into something toxic and harmful. If you notice any of these signs in your relationship, it could be that you’re in an unhealthy situation that you need to change.
1. Betrayal:
Your partner lies to you, cheats on you, breaks promises, or abuses your trust in some way. He or she doesn’t respect your boundaries or your feelings. They make excuses or blame you for their actions.
2. Intensity:
Your partner is too clingy, needy or demanding. They want to spend every minute with you and get upset when you have other plans. They pressure you to move too fast or make big commitments. They act like you are their everything and they can’t live without you.
3. Possessiveness:
Your partner is very controlling and insecure. He always wants to know where you’re, who you’re with, and what you’re doing. They check your phone, email, or social media without your permission. They accuse you of flirting with others or cheating on them. They try to limit your contact with your friends or family.
4. Manipulation:
Your partner uses guilt, threats, lies or other tactics to get their way. They make you feel bad about yourself or your choices. They twist your words or make you doubt your reality. They play mind games or use emotional blackmail to make you do what they want.
5. Isolation:
Your partner isolates you from your support system. They discourage you from seeing your friends or family or make it difficult for you to do so. They make you feel like you don’t need anyone else but them. They try to cut you off from your hobbies, interests or goals.
6. Sabotage:
Your partner sabotages your success or happiness. They put down your achievements or dreams. They interfere with your work, school or other obligations. They create drama or problems for you. They make you feel like you can’t do anything right or that you don’t deserve anything good.
7. Belittling:
Your partner insults, mocks, or criticizes you constantly. They call you names and make fun of your appearance, intelligence, or personality. They compare you to others unfavorably or tell you that no one else would want you. They make you feel worthless or unlovable.
8. Guilting:
Your partner makes you feel guilty for everything that goes wrong in the relationship or in their life. They blame you for their mistakes, failures, or unhappiness. They make you feel responsible for your feelings or actions. They make you feel like you owe them something or that you have to make up for something.
9. Volatility:
Your partner is unpredictable and unstable. They have sudden mood swings, outbursts or tantrums. They can be sweet one minute and cruel the next. They are easily angered, irritated or offended by anything. They make you walk on eggshells around them.
10. Fighting about the same things over and over again:
Your partner refuses to compromise, communicate or resolve conflicts healthily. They bring up old issues, grudges, or resentments repeatedly. They don’t listen to your perspective or respect your opinions. They don’t apologize or admit when they are wrong.
11. Avoiding each other:
Your partner avoids spending time with you, talking to you, or showing you affection. He’s distant, cold, or indifferent toward you. They don’t share their thoughts, feelings, or plans with you. They don’t care about your needs, wants, or preferences.
12. You’re afraid to say what is on your mind:
Your partner makes you feel insecure or uncomfortable about expressing yourself honestly and openly. They react negatively, defensively, or aggressively to anything you say or do that they don’t like. They shut down, ignore, or dismiss your concerns or complaints.
13. You no longer feel like yourself:
Your partner changes you as a person. He influences your behavior, choices, and values negatively. They make you lose your self-esteem, identity, and confidence.
14. One partner being very critical of the other or their loved ones:
Your partner disrespects, judges, or attacks your character or the character of those who matter to you most such as friends and family members.
15. Extreme jealousy when spending time with others:
Your partner feels threatened by anyone who shows interest in you or who has a close relationship with you such as friends and family members.
If any of these signs sound familiar to you, please know that this is not normal or healthy behavior in a relationship! You deserve better than this! You deserve a partner who treats you with kindness, honesty, and respect! You deserve a partner who supports, encourages, and loves.