You began a new relationship, and everything is going well. This is typical since there are generally emotional sparks there; everyone here has good intentions, and you are truly trying to find out your spouse. Because the relationship is so new, this is acceptable. After a few months or even weeks, you start to see red flags here and there.
A couple in disagreement; the lady’s face implies disappointment or regret.
Some of the common relationship red flags include:
You sense your partner’s insecurity, which causes them to be so possessive that you can’t do anything without their permission. They do not respect your space and are frequently envious when you interact with someone of the opposite gender. A spouse like this may even be dissatisfied with your modest accomplishments because they want to keep you on a leash and closer to them.
Your partner is not forthcoming about their behaviors, plans, and interactions. This frequently leads to suspicion since you no longer know what their intentions are. We all know that a relationship should be founded on trust; if this aspect is missing, the relationship risks failing.
Constant criticism or ridiculing from your partner; they even go so far as to tease you about your vulnerabilities, such as your partner publicly ‘roasting’ you on your forehead, dental formula, and so on. Such a partner disregards boundaries and may one day use them as a pretext to end the relationship.
Unhealthy communication or a lack of communication — In the beginning, your spouse would keep in touch every day, inform you of their plans, and make an effort to know how your days are; suddenly, communication decreases or completely stops. This means that all of the focus directed at you has been shifted to someone else, and they have begun to lose interest in you.
Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Your partner has repeatedly tormented you and used your ostensibly “thick skin” by emotionally assaulting you. When they do not require your consent to engage in sex, just pleasures themselves in the bedroom, and do not care about you, this can escalate to sexual abuse.
Gaslighting or manipulation — This generally occurs when you do anything wrong in their opinion. Occasionally we make innocent mistakes, and sometimes we are completely to blame, but your spouse exaggerates and magnifies these instances. They will go to great lengths to manipulate you with these errors and perhaps guilt-trip you.
It’s important to trust your instincts and pay attention to any patterns of behavior that make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. If you experience any of these red flags, it’s important to address them with your partner and consider seeking professional help.
When you notice red flags in a relationship, believe your instincts and take them seriously. You can do the following steps:
Discuss your worries with a trustworthy friend or family member. They can provide new perspectives and assistance. Seek professional assistance, such as counseling or therapy, to help you work through any problems in your relationship. Set and discuss clear limits with your spouse. Take some time to consider your relationship’s requirements and wants, and make sure they are being satisfied. Consider quitting the relationship if the red flags are serious and cannot be remedied. It is critical to remember that you are entitled to a healthy and secure relationship. You should never feel pressured to stay in a relationship that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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Photo credit: Samuel Rios on Unsplash
