Finding out all of the signs of an unhealthy relationship can be hard to face. If you've ever been in a relationship that is stable and wonderful and then move to a relationship that is unhealthy, it might be easier, but if unhealthy relationships are all you've ever known, you might not realize just how great a stable relationship can be. Ladies, I've got the top 15 signs of an unhealthy relationship that you should look for. After all, we all want healthy and well-adjusted relationships, right? So, let's explore 15 signs of an unhealthy relationship so that you can see if you are in one.
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
1. You Take Each Other for Granted
One of the clearest signs of an unhealthy relationship is that you constantly are taking your partner for granted. Do you just assume that he is going to stay with you? Do you assume that your girlfriend is going to pack your lunch every day? These little things can actually break up a relationship and can make people resentful.
2. Lack of Trust
Do you find that in your relationship, you don't trust your man to go out by himself? Do you read through her emails? This is not a good relationship, girls and guys, this is actually one sign of an unhealthy relationship. You should be able to trust every single bit of your partner and should be able to trust them not to cheat.
Frequently asked questions
3. Constant Insults
Does your relationship consist of constant sniping? Do you feel like you always have to be on the defense? Well girls, that is one of the top signs of an unhealthy relationship. Your boyfriend should make you feel amazing, he shouldn't constantly be putting you down. That could actually be a sign that you're in an emotionally abusive relationship.
***
If every conversation turns into a critique session, it's not normal or healthy. You deserve to be with someone who uplifts and supports you, not someone who finds joy in belittling you. Remember, constant criticism isn't constructive—it's destructive. This behavior can erode your self-esteem and leave you feeling unworthy or incapable. If you recognize this pattern, it's important to consider whether this is the kind of love you want to continue investing in.
4. Fighting Everyday
Another sign of an unhealthy relationship that a lot of people overlook is constant fighting. Now, every relationship has its bumps, especially if you two are living together, but if you're always fighting with him over the smallest things and you are frequently being picked at by him, that might not be a good relationship to be in. Remember, the good times should outweigh the bad times, not the other way around.
***
Occasional disagreements are normal, but if you find yourself walking on eggshells, afraid to speak up or be yourself because it may trigger an argument, this is a red flag. It's important for both partners to feel safe expressing their feelings without fear of retaliation. Healthy communication should involve respectful discussions, not fights where one or both parties are trying to "win" or belittle the other. If your interactions are more often battles than peaceful exchanges, it may indicate deeper issues within the relationship.
5. Social Isolation
When you isolate yourself completely from your family and also from your friends, that can be another sign of that your relationship isn’t healthy. You need your family and your friends to survive. You need other opinions in your life besides your partner's. So if you find that he expects you to just spend time with him, all of the time, that is a sign to be careful.
6. Always Blaming
Another sign involves constantly blaming your partner, or looking for ways to blame him or her for everything. Girls, your partner is not always the person to blame for everything, he is not the person you should be blaming everything on and vice versa.
***
Constantly pointing the finger can create an environment where communication breaks down and resentment builds. It's crucial to take a step back and consider whether the blame is valid or just an easy way out of a difficult situation. Healthy relationships involve taking responsibility for your own actions and working together to overcome obstacles. Blame-shifting not only hurts your partner but also prevents personal growth and understanding within the relationship. A partnership is about teamwork, not a one-sided fault-finding mission.
7. Omissions of Truth
While you might not exactly be lying about where you were or even where you've been, you probably aren't telling the truth, right? Or at least leaving the truth out of it and avoiding the question? The omission of truth is another sign that you’re in an unhealthy relationship, girls. While you don't necessarily need to tell your partner everything, you should be pretty open with them.
***
Honesty is the cornerstone of any strong relationship. If you find that you're frequently keeping secrets or intentionally excluding details to avoid confrontation or questions, you're treading on shaky ground. It's natural to want some privacy, but there is a fine line between personal space and secrecy. When that line is crossed, and omissions become habitual, it may be time to consider why you feel the need to withhold information and whether the foundation of your relationship is as solid as it should be.
8. No Communication
Another sign involves no communication. Can you walk into a room and not say anything at all to your partner for hours? That's not a relationship, girls! You want to be able to share with your boyfriend and communication through problems.
***
Effective communication is the backbone of any thriving coupling. If you find yourselves immersed in silence, unable to broach even the simplest of topics or share how your day went, that silence can grow into a cavernous divide. It's vital to feel comfortable and trust that your partner will listen and respond, otherwise, you might be living more like roommates than romantic partners. If you're nodding along recognizing this pattern, it's time to reassess and consider if this relationship fulfills your need for a deep, meaningful connection.
9. Attempts to Control
We all appreciate being able to go to our partner to get advice but, if your partner always tries to advise or influence you to do certain things, it can be an attempt to control you. Does he tell you to who to be friends with, what things to wear or what to do with your spare time?
10. Keeping Secrets
When you’re in a relationship, there should be no reason to keep secrets from your partner. If you feel that he’s not trustworthy or that he’ll use the information against you, this is definitely unhealthy! Couples should be able to talk openly with one another without having to keep secrets.
***
Open communication is the backbone of strong, healthy relationships, and transparency builds trust. If you find yourself hiding details of your friendships, finances, or feelings, it may be a sign of deeper issues. It's important to evaluate why you feel the need to keep these things to yourself. Is it fear of judgment or repercussions? Perhaps it's a sign that you need to address underlying trust issues together. Remember, nurturing an environment where both partners can share freely without fear is crucial for a relationship to thrive.
11. Lack of Respect
A sure sign of an unhealthy relationship is having a lack of respect for one another. If he frequently breaks promises or criticizes you to make himself feel better, he’s not showing you much respect. You shouldn’t have to feel put down or feel like you’re not important!
***
Respect is the cornerstone of any meaningful connection. When communication turns into belittlement or actions continually show disregard for your feelings, it erodes the trust and bond you share. Whether it's through disdainful comments or ignoring your boundaries, these behaviors reflect a concerning power imbalance in the relationship. You deserve to be with someone who not only keeps their word but also uplifts you instead of tearing you down. Remember, mutual respect is not negotiable; it's essential for love to thrive.
12. It’s All about Sex
Sex is an important part of a relationship but it’s not all of it. If you and your partner rarely communicate and the only time you’re close to one another is in bed, that’s not what a relationship is about! Sex should be the icing on the cake and complement a strong, emotionally intimate bond.
***
Intimacy extends beyond the physical and into the emotional and mental realms. A thriving relationship typically includes a deep connection, where conversations and shared experiences lay the groundwork for a strong bond. If sex becomes a substitute rather than a celebration of this union, it may indicate a superficial relationship. Partners should strive for balance, nurturing their bond through quality time, mutual respect, and open communication. Any significant imbalance can lead to dissatisfaction and a sense of emotional deprivation, suggesting that the relationship may not be as healthy as it could be.
13. Unhealthy Jealousy
A little jealousy doesn’t hurt, but when your partner is envious of your job or doesn’t like the fact that you have lots of friends, it’s unhealthy. Your partner should be able to be happy for you and your accomplishments and not feel like he is in competition with you.
14. No Compromise
A big part of any relationship, whether it’s romantic or platonic, is compromise. We can’t always have things go exactly the way we want so it’s important to compromise. If your partner isn’t able to make concessions, it’s going to make your life and relationship extremely difficult!
15. You Love Being in Love
Are you in love with being in love but not in love? There are some people who love the idea of being in a relationship so they stay in relationships even if they’re unhappy. That’s no way to live! If you’re only in it because of your desire to be in a relationship or you don’t want to be alone, you won’t ever be happy.
So girls, do you see any of these signs in your relationship? I know I've seen a few in mine, but I'm working on fixing them. Just because you've been in an unhealthy relationship doesn't mean it can't get better, as long as both of you are willing to work on it. What other signs of an unhealthy relationship have you noticed?
Comments
Jackie: My boyfriend and I are definitely in a unhealthy relationship...I stay home all the time and get yelled at when I want to go out and he is always going to the bar with his friends and drinking with people at his house...about a month ago our relationship got bad when I heard he cheated on me and I immaturely lashed out and hangout with another guy...I later found out my bf didn't do what I had heard or at,east he says he didn't but my bf did found out about me hanging out with this other guy. I know I did wrong and apologized...koi don't know how to fix our relationship. Or if it is even fixable anymore. I love him so much and I don't want it to be over.
nishath: I have had an unhealthy relationship, trust me it was horrible! After having a breakup I have realised my life is beautiful and peaceful!
Lucy: my boyfriend and I are currently on a break right now because he feels that basically all of these things apply to our relationship. I keep trying to tell him we can fix it, but hes doubting it. plus, all of this is almost coming out of no where. it hurts a lot and i am starting to realize maybe i can\'t handle that way he treats me. everything is always my fault and i have to change things. its not fair, and im sad
Gaby: mine controls every person i talk to and controls my post on instagram n facebook so that i dont talk to any other guys, but then he crys saying sorry and that he is insecure. its really irritating and we fought really bad when i told him to stop controlling me. uhh? help ?
Rachel: My boyfriend does all of these, and admittedly I do several as well. Is there any way to salvage a relationship once you reach this point. Or is it best to cut my losses and get out??
Peyton: I love when I am with him he makes me feel happy
sarahsol: @Heather, we've been together for two years now, he made me meet all his family. And he told them iam his fiancee and every single person in his family knows we're getting married. He was super awesome but all of. A sudden he has become so much not into anything. He's stressed out most of the time. And not that caring like before. Whenever I talk to him about it. He swears he loves me but he's just stressed like hell.and iam doing everything I can to make him happy,even his own mom told that iam being so stupid for how I don't get anything in return.How can I make him miss me back and get him back like before.!
Ruthe: Our fights are crazy, and they haven't gotten better even after 3 years. I don't want to leave him because he says that when he sees his future I'm in it and how he imagines having a little girl that looks like me. Which makes me feel guilty for even thinking about leaving him, but I feel like it's for the best. Not to mention I'm starting to fall for another guy who really cares about me. I'm not sure if I should just try harder with my current boyfriend or give this other guy a chance.
Melody: the 2nd one is a big thing for me :/ I want to trust him more, but I find it difficult when I find out things he's kept from me, and stuff he's done in the past stays with me. Should I forgive, forget and move on, or is there something i can do/say to put my mind at rest whilst he meets up with other girls etc It would ease a lot of the tension in our relationship i think
:
Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge