Relationships are a vital part of our lives. They come in all shapes and sizes. We may have them with friends, colleagues, family members, or lovers. A relationship can be in a physical or online form.
The need for human connection is innate. Yet, people can choose to put their needs before others. This can cause friction in relationships. It is important to understand how to avoid these situations.
One way to avoid unhealthy relationships is to set healthy boundaries. By doing this, you teach your partner about your needs and how they affect you. These boundaries can help you separate things that are okay with you from things that make you feel uncomfortable.
Another factor in forming healthy relationships is disclosure. In order for disclosure to be appropriate, both partners must be open and honest. When a partner isn’t open and honest, they can be vulnerable to being hurt. However, this does not necessarily mean the relationship is unhealthy.
Finally, a need to feel significant can be fulfilled through personal goals or volunteering. Making your partner feel significant is a key component of a healthy relationship.
Feelings of significance can be strengthened through sharing more intense personal time and requests for favors. Ultimately, if you feel significant in your relationship, you’re more likely to be able to protect and sustain your relationship.
If you notice any of these signs of an unhealthy relationship, it’s important to speak with a professional. Unhealthy relationships can lead to stress and physical health problems.