How Do I Know If I'm in an Unhealthy Relationship?

Regardless of if it's romantic, sexual, or even platonic, if it hurts or scares you, it’s not love. Unhealthy relationships can hurt your mental and physical health, so it’s important to be able to recognize when you’re in one.

Some signs of an unhealthy relationship include:

• Lack of respect for boundaries or personal space
• Frequent criticisms and judgment
• Controlling behavior such as dictating who you can talk to and where you can go
• Gaslighting, or deliberately manipulating the other person’s perception of reality
• Physical, emotional, sexual, or verbal abuse
• Unilateral decision-making without input from the other partner
• Refusing to accept responsibility for mistakes and instead blaming the other person
• Withholding affection or using it as a reward or punishment
• An unequal balance of power, with one partner having all the control
• Disregard for the other partner’s feelings
• Threatening to end the relationship or harm themselves if their demands are not met.

If you’re not sure whether or not your relationship is unhealthy, ask yourself:?

• Does this relationship make me feel safe, valued, and loved?
• Am I generally happy most of the time?
• Are my needs and boundaries respected?
• Are you nervous or scared to spend time alone with them?
• Are you not allowed to spend as much time as you want with your friends and/or family?
• Are you ever pushed, shoved, shaken, pinched, slapped, kicked, bitten, have your hair pulled, or are otherwise frightened or hurt?
• Are you afraid to disagree with your partner or express yourself openly?
• Do you feel like your partner has control over you?
• Do they keep track of where you are and who you’re with?
• Does your partner lie or cheat on you?
• Do they constantly check up on your phone and/or social media accounts?
• Do you feel like you have to walk on eggshells around them?
• Would you be afraid to disagree with them or express your opinion?
• Would you be afraid to end the relationship if you wanted to?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be a sign that you’re in an unhealthy relationship. It is important to reach out for help. Talk to a trusted friend or family member, get in touch with a therapist or counselor, or contact an organization dedicated to helping survivors of abuse and unhealthy relationships.

Unhealthy relationships can cause emotional, mental, and physical harm so it’s important to seek out support, however, and whenever you can.

You deserve to feel safe, respected and loved in any relationship.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. You are not alone. It is not your fault. You do not deserve it. With help, you can get out of an unhealthy relationship and find the support and acceptance you deserve. You can find the love you deserve. Remember that you are strong and resilient and capable of so much more. Do not be afraid to speak up for yourself. Your life is worth it. Take care of yourself first and foremost, and find the support you need. You will get through this.

Believe in yourself and stay strong.

Take care! ??????

There is help available at www.slidfnd.org or 919-791-5578

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