In this realm of relationships, finding long-lasting love and maintaining a balance is difficult. A long-term relationship requires seamless communication, unwavering trust and effort, understanding, and mutual respect from both partners. While conflict is a natural part of any relationship, it’s crucial to watch out for certain behaviours and issues that are leading to emotional distress.
Whether you’re in a marital or romantic relationship, tolerating the wrongs of your partner can have serious negative impacts on your mental and emotional well-being. So, let’s take a look at some points that one should never tolerate in a long-term relationship:
- Emotional or physical abuse: Abuse in any form-emotional, physical, or psychological-is completely unacceptable. Emotional abuse includes manipulation, constant criticism, gaslighting, threats, or intimidation, while physical abuse may involve any form of harm or violence. Both types of abuse can have severe impacts on your mental and physical health and should never be tolerated. It is advised to distance yourself from such relationships immediately and focus on healthy relationships that are built on respect, love, and safety.
- Controlling Behaviour: In a relationship, your partner can control you in various ways, from dominating your actions and decisions to isolating you from friends and family. Your partner can also monitor your activities or invade your privacy by checking your phone and make major decisions without consulting you. Such behaviour is a serious red flag as it lessens individuality and can lead to feelings of suffocation, anxiety, and entrapment. In a relationship, each partner should make their own choices, feel free to express themselves, and maintain their personal identity. Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect for each other’s freedom, where both individuals feel valued and supported.
- Lack of support: A supportive partner listens, validates, and supports your dreams, goals, and emotional well-being. But if your partner fails to make you feel valued, it is advised to avoid such a person. A lack of emotional support can be ignoring or dismissing your feelings and concerns, invalidating your experiences, or minimising your emotions, focusing solely on their needs while neglecting yours. This lack of empathy can lead to emotional burnout and feelings of loneliness.
- Lack of communication: We all know that communication is a key pillar of a healthy relationship. If your partner seems absent, they’re not listening to you while you’re speaking, or they don’t respond to your calls or messages, this is a sign that they are disconnected or distracted. Lack of communication can build misunderstandings and unresolved issues, leading to frustration and distance. Hence, it is necessary to have open and honest conversations about feelings, expectations, and concerns.
- Disrespect: For a healthy relationship, setting boundaries is crucial, and violating them shows a lack of respect. Whether your partner is passing negative remarks about your appearance, abilities, or choices; pressuring you into actions you’re uncomfortable with; or ignoring your requests for space or alone time, disrespecting boundaries can create feelings of vulnerability and resentment. Continuous disrespect can wear down your self-esteem and create a toxic environment; hence, get out of the relationship and away from the person who constantly criticises you.
