Friday, March 10, 2023

How to Know You are in an Unhealthy Relationship

It is not uncommon for people to find themselves in unhealthy friendships. Unfortunately, this type of relationship can be detrimental to both individuals involved. To help protect yourself and others from being a part of an unhealthy friendship, here are a few warning signs that may indicate that you or someone else is not a good friend.  

One major sign is when one person begins to take advantage of the other person by asking for favors constantly without offering anything in return. This could involve asking for money, rides, or assistance with household tasks without ever reciprocating the favor. Another indication is when one person in the friendship only calls or texts during times of need and neglects their friend most other times. It becomes especially concerning if this individual always has something they need help with, but never takes time to just catch up or show appreciation.  

The most telling sign is when one friend continuously puts the other down or undermines their opinions and decisions. This can manifest in subtle put-downs disguised as jokes, or open criticism of someone's ideas. All these behaviors are indicative of an unhealthy friendship that should be avoided at all costs to protect both individuals involved from emotional harm.
 
If you notice any of these signs present in a relationship, it might be time to reconsider whether it is worth continuing the friendship. It is important to have healthy relationships with others and if a friendship fails this test, then it is best for everyone involved to move on. Remember that having good friends who treat us with respect and kindness is essential to our wellbeing.  

The bottom line is that it can be hard to let go of someone you care about, but if the signs point towards a detrimental friendship, then it may be necessary for your own safety. Be sure to look out for these warning signs in any future friendships you create and do your best to create healthier relationships with those around you.  

More than anything else, remember that having friends who value us and make us feel appreciated should be at the top of our list when it comes to relationships. A healthy relationship will have mutual respect and understanding, as well as plenty of time spent enjoying each other's company without expecting anything in return. Being a good friend means being there for each other and supporting one another in challenging times, but also giving each other space to grow as individuals.  

With a little effort, you can create and maintain relationships that are beneficial for everyone involved! If you or someone you know is struggling with being a good friend, there are many resources available to help. It is important to keep communication open and honest so that both people feel comfortable expressing their needs. With the right support, anyone can work on building healthy friendships! 

Nicholl McGuire is the owner of this blog and the author of Say Goodbye to Dad and Tell Me Mother You're Sorry.

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