Have you considered how crucial relationships are to humans? Relationships are defined as the way in which two or more people or groups regard and behave toward each other. In our daily interaction with people, no matter if you are an introvert or extrovert, everyone desires love and attention. Of course we want our interactions amongst others to be positive and healthy but what happens when we enter into an unhealthy relationship? I can guarantee that 100% of us will be part of an unhealthy relationship and 100% of us will do unhealthy things within a relationship. We are all human.
When I speak of unhealthy relationships, I am quite sure your mind races off to violence and abuse and those are both great examples of this topic and many will say that they will leave a situation such as this or this will never happen to them. In many cases, relationships don't start off with violence. The early signs of unhealthy relationships usually get masked with someone within the relationship describing the abuser as being drama filled, angry, crazy or an alcohol/drug dependent.
Katie Hood did a wonderful job at identifying some of these early warning signs that seem harmless on the surface that leads to abuse.
1. Isolation. Does your partner question your friends, family or co-workers by labeling them as losers or make statements such as they don't want to see us together so you should stop talking to them and let us do us. 2. Overwhelming. Does your partner get irritated when you don't respond in a timely manner when they call or text you? How about saying I Love You after knowing each other for 2 hours of knowing each other. Do you feel like you have a voice in the relationship to talk about your own needs and are they respected? 3. Extreme Jealousy. Does your partner frequently accuse you of flirting with others or continue to follow you online or in person? Jealousy is normal but extreme jealousy gets to be overbearing especially when they want to know where you are at all times, who you are talking to, or why haven't you checked in. 4. Belittling. Words are used as weapons. Does your partner make jokes or comments at your expense or use things to embarrass you? When you try to express your feelings to them, they turn it around on you and ask you why you are being so sensitive. 5. Volatility. Frequent break ups and make ups. Does your partner start arguments, fights, or use hurtful words that suggest how worthless and pathetic you are and then turn around and try to make up by saying how sorry they are and they will never do or say that again?
The more of these signs, your relationship has, the more unhealthy your relationship may be. Know that not all relationships can be mended and are best left behind. We can all do and be better by practicing open communication, respect, and kindness, to help us keep healthy relationships. #SPEAK2MYHEART
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