Your relationship, whether it be romantic or not, should make you feel excited and happy about life, not stifled, repressed, or unloved. Many people stay in unhappy relationships just because they fear being alone or can’t picture their life without the person, even if their current situation doesn’t truly fulfill them anymore.
Everyone deserves respect, compassion, and love in relationships, but if you don’t feel as though your partner gives those to you, you might want to rethink your relationship with him or her.
HERE ARE 10 CRITICAL THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER TOLERATE IN A RELATIONSHIP:
1. DISRESPECTFUL LANGUAGE
First and foremost, a healthy relationship begins with respect for both individuals. You should never tolerate someone who calls you names, puts you down, or makes you feel uncomfortable in any way. Even if you’re having a heated argument, it doesn’t give your partner the right to treat you with disrespect just because they can’t control their language.
2. AN OVERLY CONTROLLING PARTNER
If you have a partner who can’t let you out of his or her sight without freaking out or thinking you’ll break their trust, then this should definitely raise some red flags. You should never tolerate someone who feels the need to control every aspect of your life and your relationship. According to an article on psychologytoday.com, Andrea Bonior, Ph.D., says,
“Toxic relationships can sneak up on almost anyone. And controlling behavior on the part of a partner knows no boundaries—people of any age, gender, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status can be in controlling relationships, playing either role.”
3. A BREACH OF TRUST
Aside from respect, mutual trust must exist in a relationship for it to thrive. If you can’t trust your partner, you should either talk to them about it, or end the relationship before you get in too deep. Both partners must feel totally comfortable, open, and supported in the relationship for it to work, and a lack of trust will kill an otherwise healthy relationship.
4. INCESSANT NEEDINESS
Of course, feeling wanted and needed in a relationship is normal, but it can go overboard if you’re not careful. Most people enjoy having a partner that asks them for help with certain things or just needs a hug or a shoulder to cry on sometimes. These things are perfectly normal – what isn’t normal, however, is an overly clingy, needy partner who can’t seem to do anything without you. It’s important to feel like you can live on your own without your SO around 24/7, so a partner who doesn’t display any independence should be a red flag to you.
5. FEELING LIKE YOU DON’T COME FIRST
While there are other important parts of life outside of relationships, your partner should prioritize you over other things. If he or she hangs out with friends more than you, for example, that shows they don’t take the commitment very seriously. Never tolerate someone who doesn’t take the time to make you feel special – you deserve someone who will treat you like the king or queen that you are.
6. NEGATIVITY
Now, of course negativity will be a part of any relationship in life, but it shouldn’t take precedence over a positive attitude. A negative outlook on life will translate into negative thoughts, and ultimately, a negative mind. People who focus on the negative tend to have low energy, blame others for their problems, and in general, won’t be the most fun, inspiring people to hang around. Don’t ever settle for someone who displays such negativity about life – it will only drag you down in the process.
7. EMOTIONAL UNAVAILABILITY
Your partner should be emotionally available; otherwise, you won’t be able to have a successful relationship with them. If they feel insecure or shy about displaying emotions, then they probably have deep-seated issues to work out before they can partake in a healthy, thriving relationship.
8. A PARTNER WHO DOESN’T LISTEN
Both of you should feel comfortable talking honestly and openly to each other. If your partner regularly talks over you or makes you feel like your opinion or thoughts don’t matter, this means he or she doesn’t really value you as a person. And you should never tolerate this sort of behavior in a relationship.
9. SOMEONE WHO DOESN’T SUPPORT YOUR DREAMS
Your partner should also back you 150% when it comes to your dreams and goals. You should never tolerate someone who gets jealous or tries to undermine your success – a truly supportive partner will encourage you and help you every step of the way.
10. IRRESPONSIBILITY
Finally, you should never tolerate a partner who isn’t willing to pick up the slack and take care of business. Adult responsibilities aren’t fun by any means, but they should at least take care of the minimum amount of chores and responsibilities needed for survival, and not depend on you to do all the dirty work.
Courtesy of Power of Positivity
I am going to give this list to my kids. The three that are already grown and the teenager. Nothing hurts more than watching your child be destroyed by a toxic relationship.
ReplyDeleteOh I agree, Rose...would much rather go through ANYTHING myself than to see my children in pain. This is a lovely list that can hopefully help all of them.
DeleteHugs and blessings..Cat
This is a great list for everyone. Those of us lucky enough to be in a good relationship can look at the list to make sure we are the opposite of these negative traits for our partners.
ReplyDeleteAmy
I agree, Amy...you are very lucky to have such a lovely relationship and be able to use the list as a behavior checklist.
DeleteHugs and blessings..Cat
This is a great list Cat, I agree with Amy :) Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Roz
You're very welcome, Roz...this list can also be used to when looking at platonic relationships also.
DeleteHugs and blessings..Cat
Just "celebrated" my 42nd anniversary with a person who is described by 8 of the 10 items on this list. It only lasted this long because I allowed it in meeting the obligations I took on, observing the specifics of item #10. Those obligations are now grown, but I can't see dropping the mess of my partner on them and just leaving. Still working out what my options are inside of that self-imposed prison.
ReplyDeleteYoung folk, be much more selective of your partner lest you waste your life being miserable as I did. Heed your inner voice. If it tells you to go, do so. Otherwise, you will remember the day, date, and time you were faced with knowing you should have walked and didn't.
I am so sorry you have endured such a prison, Anon. Wish I had some wonderful, magical advice for you but I don't. :( All I can do is send prayers and positive energy that you find peace, acceptance and contentment soon.
DeleteBlessings...Cat