Your mental health can benefit from being loved and connecting to your partner. One of the essential qualities of a healthy relationship is respecting one another.
Unhealthy or toxic relationships are characterised by one person’s attempts to dominate the other regarding physical contact, sexual activity, and/or emotional manipulation. These relationships are not worth fighting for.
Toxic relationships are characterised by feelings of unhappiness and a sense that everything you do is an added burden. It's possible that a couple could be in an unhealthy relationship without even realising it.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about unhealthy relationships and what is required to build a healthy one.
Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationship
There are some clear distinctions between healthy and unhealthy romantic relationships. First, open lines of communication and shared effort are necessary for having a successful and healthy relationship. On the other hand, harmful types are prone to ongoing tension and never-ending unreasonable expectations.
In a healthy relationship, both partners are candid with one another, while an unhealthy relationship is one in which one or both partners keep secrets from the other.
Signs of an unhealthy relationship
Sometimes signs of an unhealthy relationship can go unnoticed. Unhealthy relationships are characterised by an imbalance of power in which one partner dominates all decision-making. A prolonged power imbalance can create tension and even cause harm to one or both parties in the relationship. Therefore, it is crucial to recognise warning signs.
Too controlling. People that try to influence you do so because they care more about their own needs than yours. To put it another way: healthy relationships should involve mutual respect and accommodation of one another's needs – there should not be a dictating influence on another person's behaviour.
Lack of trust. Trust is the cornerstone of any flourishing relationship. Having doubts is normal; we can all admit that. However, this should not prevent us from having faith in the good intentions of the people around us. Trust on both sides is necessary for a relationship to thrive.
Physical, emotional, or mental abuse. Abuse of any kind is a cause for concern, especially when it involves the victim's physical, emotional, or mental well-being. Although not as apparent as physical abuse, the effects of emotional and mental abuse can be just as severe over time.
Narcissistic personality. Narcissists are people who think the world revolves around them and their interests only. And if anyone dares to challenge this belief, conflicts are likely to ensue. Being emotionally invested in a narcissistic person and motivated solely by ego can be exhausting and traumatic for both parties involved. The fulfilment of their requirements will always take precedence over meeting your needs.
Insecurity. Even though we all struggle with insecurities, our significant other should never be the source of further stress. Physical and emotional satisfaction are equally important in a healthy relationship. Those who persist in unhealthy relationships frequently blame themselves for the lack of joy in their lives. For a healthy relationship to last, both people involved need to be open and honest.
Constant fights. It's normal for couples to argue from time to time, but it's another thing to always disagree on everything. Ongoing disagreement suggests a lack of attentiveness to one another, which undermines communication and closeness.
Avoidance. Addressing conflict can be nerve-wracking, and most people have trouble knowing how to approach such interactions. It's easy to avoid confrontation by saying things like, "I don't want to talk about it," yet honest conversations are often necessary to work out your differences. Couples who try to "get by" without expressing their feelings towards one another set themselves up for tension.
Jealousy. Whenever one partner becomes jealous of the other's interactions with other people outside the relationship -- this can lead to an unhealthy relationship. Signs of abuse and mistrust include one spouse repeatedly accusing the other of flirting or telling the other they cannot have any contact with anybody else – including friends or family.
What do Healthy Relationships Look Like?
Being able to recognise the indications of healthy relationships as opposed to unhealthy relationships is key to being able to engage in relationships that are loving, safe, and supportive. When people develop healthy interactions with one another, it can lead to improved mental and emotional wellbeing.
When two people love, support, and encourage each other, they can quickly form and maintain a healthy relationship. It doesn't matter how you view your relationship; having a good relationship is something everyone needs to work on.
The following are some factors that need to be present for a relationship to be considered healthy.
Open communication
Open communication signifies a strong bond between you and your partner. If it's hard to tell the other person how you feel, this could indicate that greater trust needs to be established. When we suppress our emotions, it may be because we are unsure of the other person's reaction or because we worry about being judged.
Unfortunately, unhealthy communication occurs when one partner attempts to control the other's emotions or actions through words or actions. In cases like this, establishing boundaries can be helpful. Having appropriate boundaries in a relationship includes expressing your needs and wants while recognising what you can and cannot tolerate.
Listening and feeling heard
It is critical to both have your partner listen to you. You and our partner should feel at ease when discussing problems, expressing yourselves, and listening to one another. While it's true that not every discussion needs to be easy to go through, you and your partner should feel heard.
Ignoring or disregarding another person's emotions or wants harms the relationship. Both parties should be willing to give the other some personal space. When caring for one another's emotions, wants, and beliefs, compromise and open lines of communication are essential.
Willingness to resolve disagreements
Conflict and disagreement are natural parts of every close relationship. Having contrasting tastes, opinions, and values with your partner is normal. Conflict may indicate that a relationship needs fixing or adjustment. Couples sometimes face higher tensions and unfulfilled demands when they choose to ignore or avoid disagreement.
Resolving differences positively through mutual communication and effort is crucial to the success of any relationship. If arguments frequently arise from differences of opinion, it may be time to rethink your methods of communication with one another.
Mutual intimacy
When two people are in a healthy relationship, you and your partner should give each other room to be intimate and respectful of one another. Both of you should be able to have open discussions about each one’s emotional and sexual needs and your role in the relationship. This includes discussing sexual desires and frustrations, as well as what you find pleasurable or uncomfortable.
When you experience awkwardness or reluctance to express your emotions out of concern that your partner will not understand or care, the intimate connection can become stressful instead of pleasurable. Abusive behaviour occurs when one spouse consistently disregards the other's feelings and needs or forces them into distressing or unwelcome situations.
Trust
To have a solid support system, keeping in touch with people outside of your romantic relationships is crucial. Trust is essential to maintaining healthy relationships between couples. Knowing that another person will follow through on their promises is critical to developing trust.
Personal growth.
Everyone should be able to participate in happy, enriching relationships that help them develop as individuals. Having someone root for you through the highs and lows of life is one of life's greatest blessings. One's sense of security and assurance increases when they know they can always count on the love and backing of a trusted loved one. You'll be able to take more chances and go for your goals with confidence if you have the dynamics of healthy relationships.
Wrap up
Unhealthy relationships can have a harmful impact not only on the people involved in them but also on their loved ones and others concerned about them. Nevertheless, if action is taken quickly, things can be fixed. It is essential to have an understanding of the significance of respect as well as the traits that distinguish healthy from unhealthy relationships.
Talk to your partner or consult a professional to work out your issues. If things do not go as planned, it is essential to remember the importance of respecting yourself and moving on.
Never force yourself to stay in a relationship that is detrimental to your health; instead, have a conversation with a close friend or a member of your family that you can confide in and take steps to get out of an unhealthy relationship.
