An unhealthy relationship is one where the abuse and dynamics being played between partners are not only no good to their {physical | emotional} well-being, but it kills them as individuals. It is a set of behaviors that create an environment not conducive to cooperation and respect, but manipulation and domination. Knowing the signs of an unhealthy relationship may help you to see when this is occurring and do something about it or get some assistance. So read our comprehensive guide about traits, signs and consequences of an unhealthy relationship.
2. signs of a toxic relationship
3. effect of an unhealthy relationship
4. how to get support
5. our recommendation on relationship
Signs of An Unhealthy Relationship
1. No communication
Communication is the number one priority for any relationship to thrive. Communication is more often than not one of the first things to deteriorate in a toxic relationship and with many being emotionally abused, it can also become a tool used against them. This will cause them to avoid discussing key issues, feelings or concerns with one another which build resultant misunderstandings and/or unresolved conflicts.
2. Criticism and Contempt
Unhealthy relationships often involve criticism that is anything but constructive or kind. From degrading comments and sarscasm to flat out insults. This approach breeds insecurity and builds a toxic environment.
3.Control and Manipulation
Manipulation, guilt-tripping and intimidation (one partner tells the other how to live their life. That can mean financial, social or even personal. This disempowers the other partner and takes away their identity.
4. Jealousy and Possessiveness
Jealousy can be normal in relationships, but it crosses the line when it becomes excessive hoarding and coveting. In a toxic relationship, one or both partners might accuse each other of flirting with others frequently and trying to keep the partner away from friends and family members.
5. Lack of Trust
Any relationship, romantic or otherwise cannot work without trust. Lack of trust in many cases means an unhealthy relationship. Partners lie, hide things and their intentions are constantly questioned in a vicious cycle of suspicion and insecurity.
6. Emotional and Physical Abuse
Emotional, physical or a combination of both abuse is the obvious sign that your relationship as it stands today unhealthy. Examples of emotional abuse include manipulation, gaslighting and verbal assault. This can mean anything from violence to threat and is understood as one person trying to threaten or hurt another, creating an unsafe place where fear rules.
7. Imbalance of Power
Equality and mutual understanding are the keystones of every successful relationship. In an unhealthy relationship one of the partners is generally more powerful than other. This may appear in diverse forms -- choice-making, financial sovereignty and personal liberation.
Also Read: Common Relationship Advice: A Pathway for Personal Growth
Signs of a Toxic Relationship
1. Feeling Drained and Unhappy
If you continuously feel emotionally bankrupt, unfulfilled and anxious when it comes to your partner this can be a telltale sign of an unhealthy relationship. Relationships should be empowering, not oppressive.
2. Walking on Eggshells
Relationships in which you feel as though your every move needs to be monitored so that it doesnt rock the boat are obviously not heading down a healthy path. This is a sign that there are issues of feigned transparency and imbalanced empathy.
3. Loss of Identity
A bad relationship can strip you of your identity. It turns out that when one partner's needs, wants and perspectives always comes before the other.
4. Not being able to see society
If your partner is cutting you off from other people in your life, it's a big deal. Strong relationships allow for space between partners and personal support systems.
5. Constant Drama and Conflict
A toxic relationship is something with a lot of conflicts, dramas and emotional pain that never seem to get resolved. Disagreement is normal, but constant arguing and negativity are not!
6. Fear of Partner's Reaction
If you fear that your partner will take something unkindly or act out if they do not approve of what you are doing, this is a formative problem. There should be no fear in a relationship.
What An Unhealthy Relationship Does
1. Mental Health Issues
This an also result in anxiety, depression and low self-esteem inorder to have a sink of coming out from unhealthy relationships. Being in the same place of negativity and stress all around can mentally exhaust a person.
2. Physical Health Problems
Headaches, digestive issues and sleep disturbances are common health problems that can come from the stress of an unhealthy relationship. Physical abuse, on the other hand had more direct and intense effects.
3. Emotional Trauma
Emotional tactics and manipulation can create some of the very worst psychological wounds to heal. It is important to remember that, as with all traumas of this nature the victims may have trust issues, find it hard to deal in real relationships and suffer long-term shame.
4. Impact on Personal Growth
If you are in a toxic relationship, it IS preventing your growth. This sense of being handcuffed and having the door slammed in your face, to pursue a ACTUAL life long DREAM will take such a blow on some that they may never want to release their true talents unto the world out of fear.
How to Get Support and Where to Go?
1. Recognize the Problem
The first step in healing an unhealthy relationship is recognizing the problem. Look at the writing on the sign and know that things might not be so great in this relationship.
2. Seek Support
Find support from friends, family members or a mental health professional. Communication with a third-person can help one to sort things out and understand the exact problem.
3. Set Boundaries
Set boundaries with your partner on what is and isn't fair play. Be clear about your needs and stick to them.
4. Consider Professional Help
However, couples therapy or individual counseling may help. A professional can untangle the complexities of relationships and give hands-on tips.
5. Plan for Safety
Choose safety in abuse. Develop a safety plan, which may include contacting local shelters/ hotlines and legal advocacy sites.
6. Evaluate the Relationship
Whether the relationship is worth saving or not. Often times, the best thing for our health is to terminate that unhealthy relationship. It can be a hard one to make, but it is an important decision for your peace of mind.
Recommendation on Relationship
An unhealthy relationship can significantly impact your physical, emotional and mental well being. Realising the telltale signs and characteristics of a toxic relationship is the beginning to overcoming this problem. These are steps for getting support, setting up boundaries and considering professional help in making the dynamic more balanced. Unfortunately, in the end, you have to look out for yourself keeping your own personal well-being and safety number one which is when leaving a relationship comes even into play. Don't forget, you deserve to have a relationship that is caring, polite and an upliftment.