Relationships can significantly affect a person’s physical and mental health, whether positive or negative, influencing happiness and stress levels. Healthy relationships promote healthy behaviors in oneself, reducing anxiety, strengthening the immune system, and increasing self-esteem.
Healthy romantic relationships offer emotional support and intimate situations that strengthen a person. These relationships allow for a stronger sense of self as they bring a sense of belonging. However, an unhealthy romantic relationship may lead to detrimental qualities that have the opposite effect of what a relationship should do, which is to support you.
Listed below are ways to understand the differences between a healthy and unhealthy romantic relationship. Sometimes, it can be hard to determine what behavior is acceptable and what is not. Here is a guide that can help you understand healthy and unhealthy relationships:
Healthy Romantic Relationships
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Your partner respects your boundaries.
They understand when you need privacy or your individual needs. They do not push you tremendously when you want to keep information to yourself, nor try to spend time when you need time alone.
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You both communicate with each other often.
Both of you feel comfortable expressing your concerns and feelings. Whether with life or an instance with your partner, you are willing to talk it out, rather than doing the latter option.
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You both support each other and compromise on decisions.
You both offer emotional support, encouragement, and understanding when talking about problems one of you guys has in your life. In addition, in situations that involve both of you, you try to find solutions that work for both of you.
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You learn from each other.
You learn from each other and contribute to each other’s individual growth. When one of you has a goal, the other side always encourages you to reach that goal, and vice versa. You both want to become the best version of yourself by doing that together.
Unhealthy Romantic Relationships
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One of you has more power than the other.
Significant power imbalances may be a sign of an unhealthy romantic relationship. One of you manipulates the other through intimidation or intense jealousy, trying to win an argument or gain favor.
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You feel emotionally drained.
You feel unsupported or emotionally drained each time you are together. It feels like a chore to be around your partner, and you want to avoid them rather than wanting to see them. You are cautious to say something for fear of their reaction.
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You feel socially isolated and codependent.
You are dependent on each other and often isolated from family and friends. It is hard to reach out to loved ones in person or online. This may make it difficult to escape or secure help.
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Emotional, Physical, Sexual, or Verbal Abuse
This can come in many forms from gaslighting and manipulation, hitting or pushing, and threats. This behavior is meant to coerce and hurt more than it is to benefit the relationship. When these signs are present, you are in a highly unhealthy relationship that can be potentially dangerous.
What to do in an unhealthy relationship?
In these situations, it is essential to prioritize your safety and well-being. Consider the best course of action for your relationship, and make a plan if you want to end it..
Ensure you talk to trusted individuals, such as your friends and family, who may offer perspectives or guidance on the situation. During conversations with your partner, clearly restate your boundaries and take appropriate action if those boundaries are not respected.
If you are planning to end an unhealthy relationship, have an “exit plan” , ensuring you do what is best and safe for yourself. Have a friend or family member pick you up or be close in case of more challenging situations. Cut all ways of contact in-person and online to ensure there are not many ways to reach you.
In cases of abuse, seek immediate attention from the National Domestic Violence Hotline (call 800-799-7233 or text 88788 “BEGIN”) or local authorities. They should be able to help you get started on finding safety and security.
In a romantic relationship, the main parts present should be security and happiness. When those factors are absent, you must determine what is best for you. Relationships should bring a better you and a better them, rather than the opposite