Relationships are two-ways. It is all about giving and taking. A relationship expert says both parties are to give their 100% commitment, not just 50% each. Not every relationship ends up in marriage. This goes without saying there are perfect relationships, there is bound to be conflicts but it how best they are managed that matters. The signs would be visible in an unhealthy relationship, it is left for both parties to call it quits. Here are 5 signs that you are in an unhealthy relationship:
1. Dishonesty
Trust is the root of a thriving relationship. Lying and other deceptive behaviors break this trust, tainting the emotional honesty a healthy relationship requires. Of course, everyone tells white lies; but saying “I love your cooking” is vastly different from consistent dishonesty. If one or both partners regularly lies about things like where they’ve been, how much money they’ve spent, or who they spend their time with, the relationship is not healthy. Lies like this prevent real intimacy, promote guilt, and put strain on the relationship.
2. Controlling behaviour
Controlling behavior can be especially toxic, and often escalates as time goes on. This sign of an unhealthy relationship takes on many forms and is usually focused on minimizing a person’s autonomy and independence. Things like isolating a person from friends and family, governing a partner’s personal style choices, and limiting where they go or how late they stay out are all symptoms of control and manipulation. A controlling person will try to convince their partner that the rules and regulations being built around them are for their own good, leading to feelings of shame and reliance.
3. Neglect
Addressing conflict head-on is always nerve-wracking, and most people struggle to navigate difficult conversations. While it’s tempting to use excuses like, “I don’t want to talk about it,” these exchanges are often the only way to resolve a dispute. This is especially important when nurturing a healthy relationship. If a couple avoids communicating their concerns just to “get by” or not “rock the boat,” resentment will build and stress will multiply. Facing the truth is a hard but necessary step in cultivating a strong relationship.
4. Insecurity
Everyone has insecurities, but these should never be exacerbated by a partner. Relationships should be fulfilling both physically and emotionally. In an unhealthy relationship, however, partners can whittle away at the other’s self-confidence. Subtle criticisms, like calling a partner “too emotional” or making a negative comment about their weight can fuel contempt and deplete self-worth. In fact, relationship counselors found that frequent criticism is the single greatest predictor of divorce.
5. Co-dependency
Co-dependency is more than just being clingy or needing extra attention. In a co-dependent relationship, one partner is the taker while the other is the giver. The giver will subvert their own needs to conform to those of their partner, while the taker will rely on that partner for extreme support and validation. This imbalance creates high level of emotional distress— codependency often leads to anxiety, unhealthy boundaries, and low self-esteem.
Source: Phily Voice