Do you know the Signs you’re in an unhealthy relationship ? Keep reading for eight of them.
There are several warning signs that our relationships need work to become healthier, need outside help — couples therapy — or need to end. What signs show you that it’s no longer working, if it ever did? And while sometimes just a simple date night seems to perk things up in a relationship that has gone stale, these are signs your relationship is perhaps an unhealthy union.
8 Signs you’re in an unhealthy relationship
Sign 1: They refuse to have intimate conversations 📢 If they shut down, change the subject or refuse to talk to you about issues in your relationship, this prevents you all from addressing missed needs and growing together.
Sign 2: You are constantly worried they will abandon you 🏃🏿♀️ If any of you threaten to leave the relationship during conflict as leverage to regain power or control, this creates instability & mistrust in your relationship.
Sign 3: Their future plans seldomly include you 🛑 If after months/years together they talk about their future in ways that never include you, this can be a sign of disinterest, lack of commitment or fear of investment.
Sign 4: You spend most of your time apologizing 🤔
If they criticize you for everything you do or you apologize too frequently for just being human, this can lead to a decreased sense of self needed in relationships.
Sign 5: Your efforts are not reciprocated 🙅🏽♂️
If you are constantly giving in the relationship but not receiving anything in return, this imbalance can create expectations and resentments that aren’t healthy for anyone.
Sign 6: They prioritize others over spending time with you 👨❤️👨
If they consistently invest more time/attention with others & neglect having quality time with you, this can starve your relationship from the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Sign 7: Their needs become the focus of your relationship 🎯
If your needs aren’t getting met and with enough balance throughout the relationship, this imbalance can lead to resentments and disconnection.
Sign 8: They make excuses for behaviors that hurt you 😢
Thank you for sharing this really great advice Signs you’re in an unhealthy relationship –James Guay, LMFT (#39252) who is inspired by seeing his clients transform from being perfectionistic, constantly on the go, feeling empty despite their successes to a place where they can finally truly relax and pursue excellence from a greater place of self-compassion.
Check out his website here: https://www.livingmorefully.com/
And his podcast here: https://directory.libsyn.com/shows/view/id/livingmorefully
He’s also a social justice activist follow him on instagram here https://instagram.com/jamesguaylmft with a mission to help bring more compassion into the world — especially for oppressed minorities. To advance this cause, he’s testified against conversion therapy at California’s State Capital, appeared on various documentaries, and has written articles for Time, NY Times, LA Times, Huffington Post, and the Advocate.
These are great reminders. I wouldn’t settle for a relationship like any of these. Life is too short to be unhappy.
I know the signs of an unhealthy sign now, but for 22 years I didn’t. Now I am married to a man who has respect and love for me. And that makes the relationship work so much better. Thanks for these tips. I hope it helps someone who needs that nudge to get out of a relationship that will only bring them down.
This is so insightful and helpful. It’s always good to know if you are in a relationship that isn’t healthy for all parties.
This is such a good post. Not all unhealthy relationships involved abuse. Some of them are just unfulfilling. LIke a partner who won’t share their inner feelings.
Great tips. Unfortunately, I have been in unhealthy relationships myself and I did not see the writing on the wall. Definitely learned from them!
This is a great post! So many young girls (well all people, but especially them) need to read this!
It isn’t always easy to see that a relationship is unhealthy. Hopefully, these guidelines will help people either improve an unhappy relationship or get out of it altogether.
Great article, these are also clear signs of one sided love or abusive or toxic partner.
Well, based on these signs, I’m happy to report that I am in a healthy relationship. 🙂 Great post!
These are all good points about unhealthy behaviors. I think too often, people become complacent in their relationships and some of these things can arise. Other people are just always like this.
Thanks for sharing these important signs to look for. I am SO lucky I have been married for 28 years and known my husband for 33 years.
This is a great article and self -awareness is key
Yes, exactly! Basing on these signs you mentioned, I am really happy that I am having a healthy relationship with my husband. Thank you for sharing this.
This post came in such a timely manner because a friend of mine truly needs this advice as she is in an unhealthy relationship.