There are several qualities of a good relationship and many people can easily tell if they’re with the right person or not. The ones that are difficult and often confusing to figure out, however, are the actual characteristics and clear descriptions of a bad relationship.
Love is blind, they say – and this poses danger especially to people who are just too blinded by their passion towards a partner so that no matter how toxic and damaging their relationship is, they can’t realize it until it’s already too late.
If you think you are incapable of distinguishing a bad relationship from a good one, then this article will be a big help and may even save you from an emotionally traumatic breakup.
Here are the types of bad relationships that you must avoid at all costs.
1. A relationship that is constantly toxic.
A passionate relationship gone wrong can easily bring out the inner monsters in us. While it’s normal for couples to snap and feel angry during an argument, it’s already toxic if these intense confrontations happen every single day.
Such instances are common in an extremely toxic relationship. How can you know if you’re in one? It’s simple. Do you often find yourself crying, angry, hurt and drained? Have you lost confidence in yourself because of these common emotions that have become a constant visitor in your daily life with your partner?
ALSO READ: 17 Signs of a Potentially Toxic Relationship
2. A relationship with an extremely controlling partner.
Do you find yourself unable to do the things that you like, wear the clothes that you want, or even attend social events just because you don’t want your partner to be mad at you?
Most importantly, do you find yourself unable to make your own decisions and live the type of lifestyle that you want because of your partner? If you answered yes to even half of these questions, then you’re not with the right person.
3. A relationship that should be kept secret.
Are you in a secret relationship with someone? Do your friends and even close family members know that you’re actually dating this person? You’re in a bad relationship if your partner doesn’t want you to acknowledge you in public.
If you are in a relationship that should be kept secret, even to the closest people in your life, then it’s a sign that something is really wrong. Maybe your partner is not too proud that you’re dating? Or what if the love of your life is hiding something from you?
4. A physically and emotionally abusive relationship.
Truly loving someone means doing everything in your power to protect your partner and to shelter them from harm – be it physical or emotional. However, if you’re in a bad relationship, you’ll find yourself suffering and hurting – not because of other people, but because of that person who was supposed to take care of you.
There are different kinds of abuse, physical and emotional ones. Learn to know when enough is enough and do something about it before it’s too late.
5. A liberated and “open” relationship.
Yes, labels aren’t everything when it comes to love but an open relationship can be emotionally traumatic especially if you’re the type of person who values commitment – or if this is your first time to be in one.
While some open relationships work, it’s not a good foundation for creating a long-lasting partnership with someone. If you want to spend the rest of your life with this person, you have to establish your rules by being exclusive and faithful to each other.
6. A relationship without friendship at its base.
The best relationships often start with a good friendship – but some people skip this stage and focus more on the passionate and even sensual side of being together.
Remember that life isn’t perfect and while there are good times, bad times will always make their way to your relationship. A good friend will give you the strength to hold on no matter how tough life gets. The absence of friendship, on the other hand, makes your bond weak and easily breakable.
7. A relationship that is stagnant and without growth.
Being in a relationship should help you grow as a person and as a partner. A bad relationship will either limit your growth or prevent you from achieving your personal goals.
ALSO READ: 14 Ways to Make Your Relationship Grow
8. A relationship without a spiritual center.
You have to have a center, no matter what religion you believe in. Your faith in each other can make you stronger, but focusing and believing in the power of a central spiritual presence will guide your relationship to always do what is right and to survive even the most difficult challenges.
9. A relationship that sucks the happiness out of you.
Love is supposed to make you feel happy and safe, and being in a relationship with someone you’re in love with means creating a refuge where you can be in your happiest state. If your relationship does the opposite, then you know something should be done about it.
10. A relationship full of everyday drama.
Arguments, fights and emotional battles are normal when you’re in a relationship, but experiencing them every day without making changes is a bad sign. It’s even worse if your partner is the one creating drama where there is none.
If your significant other focuses too much on complicating even the simplest problems, it means that your commitment is already becoming unhealthy and it’s just a matter of time until one or both of you break.
11. A relationship built on infidelity and dishonesty.
You cannot start a relationship built on infidelity as well as dishonesty and expect something beautiful to come out of it. This is common especially in relationships built on lies and cheating because aside from hurting other people from what both of you have done, there’s a huge possibility that history will just repeat itself – and that’s where Karma will strike you down.
If this article has made you realize that you’re actually in a bad relationship, you have two choices: you can either try to fix it or to let it go. This will not only save you from a devastating heartbreak but it will also set you free from all the negativities and emotional burdens that you have been carrying for a long time.
While it’s difficult to end something that you cherish so much, an unhealthy relationship will not only limit your chance to grow as a person, but it will slowly tear your heart apart until there’s nothing left.
ALSO READ: Healthy Relationships vs. Unhealthy Relationships: 14 Differences You Should Know
Online courses recommended for you:
- Relationship Coaching: Transform Problems into Growth & Love:
Develop true love & greater intimacy & a relationship growth mindset, stop destructive conflicts, find meaning & purpose. - Love & Connection: The Science of Successful Relationships:
This course will show you how to examine the unknown path that you’ll travel with your spouse, and carefully evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your relationship.
Good advice 👍