When it comes to dating and relationships, the difference between healthy and unhealthy bonds is worlds apart.
A healthy relationship will transform you into your best self and you will both generally be happy even when there are challenges.
On the other hand, there are unhealthy relationship dynamics. By the time you decide to leave a toxic partner, you realize that you’re only a shell of who you used to be.
One of the wisest choices you will ever make in life is to be with someone who genuinely cares for you. You should be keen enough to know when you’re in a good relationship and how to avoid the unhealthy situations like the ones on this list:
The perfectionism relationshipPerfectionism is a sneaky but very toxic trait many people actually have knowingly or unknowingly. It could be that one partner sees life through a certain, unattainable standard and that also translates to how they treat other people, especially their spouse.
In these relationships, the main goal is to maintain the image that everything is peachy perfect, but behind closed doors, things are falling apart.
There are even many cases where abuse is happening in the background without anyone noticing which is why this type of relationship can be dangerous.
The ‘only here for the kids’ relationshipIt’s very common to hear people choosing to stay in a bad marriage or relationship solely for the kids. There are good intentions behind it since many parents know how important it is for children to grow up in a two-parent home but, these relationships can cause more damage to the family.
Children are able to sense that something is wrong and unfortunately, they may end up witnessing emotional and violent fights at home.
These toxic relationships breed deep emotional problems for both parents and kids.
The convenience relationshipBeing with someone who is only with you for convenience is one of the worst positions to be in. You might be blinded for a while but if you’re keen enough, you will see the red flags.
Even worse, convenience seekers can even go to the extent of getting married to you as part of their plan until they achieve what they came for.
You need to look out for signs that show you might be in this type of relationship to avoid being used.
Addiction bonding relationshipsProblems like alcohol and drug abuse can seriously destroy a good relationship. There are many situations where both partners bond over habits like over drinking and this completely distorts the decisions they make.
These types of relationships are common among young couples who are in that carefree stage of life but it also happens to older couples who are already married with kids.
These destructive cycles can continue for years and it shows there are deeper issues going on that need to be addressed urgently.
Abuse attachment relationshipsAbuse in relationships is very toxic whether it’s verbal, physical or emotional. The abuser will seek to control and manipulate their partner to a point where they’re too scared to leave.
For the partner being abused, it’s possible for them to form an unhealthy attachment where they keep coming back to the abuser after every episode.
It’s a very scary relationship to be in and the best option is to leave for the sake of your safety.