How to Spot an Unhealthy Relationship

Relationships are a vital aspect of our lives, providing us with love, support, and companionship. However, not all relationships are healthy, and sometimes it can be challenging to recognize when a relationship has become toxic or harmful.

Whether it’s a romantic partner, friend, or family member, it’s crucial to identify and address unhealthy relationships to protect your emotional and mental well-being.

In this article, we will explore some common signs of an unhealthy relationship, and provide insights on how to spot them in your life. By recognizing these red flags, you can take steps to create boundaries, prioritize your own needs, and move towards healthier relationships.

How common is it to experience an unhealthy relationship?

A relationship can become unhealthy or abusive when one partner tries to have power and control over the other. This is called domestic abuse. There is often a misconception that domestic abuse only occurs when there is physical abuse. However, abuse can also be emotional and financial. 

The National Domestic Violence Hotline states anyone, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, income, or sexual orientation, can experience a form of domestic violence. According to research, almost half of all men and women have experienced psychological aggression by a partner. Fifty percent of LGBTQ women and 23 percent of LGBTQ men have experienced abuse from a partner. 

Here are five signs that could indicate you or someone you know is in an emotionally abusive relationship. 

5 Ways to Spot an Unhealthy Relationship

1. You feel like you’re walking on eggshells

If your partner’s mood can change at any moment, this is a huge red flag. Tumultuous behavior can leave you second-guessing yourself and feeling scared of how they will react. If this sounds like your partner, run.

2. They go silent

Did they completely stop talking to you after disagreeing with them? Do they act like you don’t exist? Abusers often use the silent treatment to maintain control and manipulate others.

3. They’re always jealous

Everyone can get jealous, but when a partner is constantly suspicious and controlling there’s a problem. Unhealthy jealousy can include controlling who you talk to, requiring you to check in, and demanding that you spend all your time with them. 

4. You doubt yourself

A tactic that abusers like to use is gaslighting. Gaslighting is when someone tries to manipulate the way you see reality. Examples of gaslighting phrases include, “I never said that” or “you’re crazy.”

5. You feel sorry for them

An emotionally abusive partner is a manipulator. Abusers can make you believe that you’re at fault for their behavior or blame their behavior on something that happened to them in the past. Either way, if your partner fails to take responsibility for their actions and always shifts the blame, it’s time to move on.

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If you’ve noticed any of these signs, know that you’re not alone. Professionals can assist you or a loved one that’s going through an unhealthy relationship. Reach out to someone you trust or contact a help center and regain your independence.