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We have already written some things about long-term problematic relationships . But we think that because of the importance of this topic, it is definitely worth discussing the toxic relationships in particular : the unhealthy and even dangerous relationships.
While many of us will agree that there are a lot of dangerous people on this planet, it becomes even more difficult when you share a relationship with someone who could be labeled as such. And even if you don’t label your partner as ‘dangerous’, the relationship can still be dangerous for you, both for your physical and mental health.
It is therefore important to know more about these dangerous relationships and how to recognize early that you are involved in a relationship that could become risky. We therefore tell you what the seven (pre)signs of a dangerous relationship are. Read them carefully so that you can make the right decision for yourself about your relationship. Could this become dangerous?
7 signs of a dangerous relationship
Dangerous relationships are in many cases characterized by a lack of respect and excessive control. Over time, these can result in dangerous behavior and a situation that is dangerous.
It’s important to recognize these signs of dangerous relationships before they escalate into an unsafe situation. It is also important, no matter how difficult it may be, to overcome your fears and seek help from friends and family. Seven key characteristics of unhealthy relationships are:
1. Dependence
In a dangerous relationship there is often unhealthy dependence . That simply means that one (or both) is needy and relies a lot on the other. It takes a lot of time and effort in the relationship to care for and support this person. Over time, the dependent person even becomes too clingy .
It can work both ways; on the one hand, the dependent person may begin to claim the other more and more. On the other hand, this gives the partner a dominant role and a certain power control . This can be exploited. For a healthy relationship, there must be a good balance between both people. If that isn’t there, it can become dangerous.
ALSO READ: 60 Signs of a Harmful Relationship
2. Dishonesty
Trust is the basis of every relationship, but especially of a love relationship between two people. When there is trust, partners can be assured that they are safe. Confidence allows people to be themselves, to feel fully accepted as they are. Not being able to maintain the trust of another opens the door to deceit, lies and secrets.
After a while these can take on a life of their own. Once you break trust, it is difficult to regain it. Dishonesty makes a partner increasingly feel that he or she can go even further and afford even more — without you even realizing it.
3. Control
Dangerous relationships usually involve an unhealthy form of control being exerted. A controlling partner may try to manipulate your opinions, choices and decisions to reflect more and more of their own demands in you. Ultimately, control can come to dominate most of your life, requiring you to account for your time, where you’re going, and who your company will be.
A completely dependent person is almost like the other person’s property . It can start subtly because your partner makes more and more demands in exchange for the dependence offered. Ultimately, it can even become very drastic by completely isolating you from the world.
4. Insulation
All of this can create an expectation of exclusivity, which means that all your time and energy “must” be primarily for your dominant partner. The person may also want you to partially or even completely cut ties with close family and friends. This can cause you to become isolated from your family and friends. And yet your family and friends are the ones who can tell you how unhealthy someone is and how toxic the relationship is.
The way your family and friends react to your partner is – generally – a good indicator of whether your relationship could become dangerous. They know you like no other and know what is good for you, even if you disagree.
The problem, however, is that these opinions are often not trusted because the person they are telling them to is structurally manipulated in the relationship. In some relationships, concerns and fears fall on deaf ears because the other person is completely controlled.
ALSO READ: 26 Classic Causes of Common Relationship Problems
5. Jealousy
Excessive jealousy on the part of the controlling partner can lead to a breakdown in communication with loved ones, further isolating you. By doing this, they are essentially shutting out every reasonable friend and figuratively cutting off any listening ear. They cut you off from anyone who can provide good advice and an outside perspective on your relationship.
This compulsive behavior is often the result of jealousy . The time you spend with your friends and family is not spent with your partner. This creates an extreme urge to appropriate your time and attention.
ALSO READ: Is It Difficult to Share Feelings? These are 11 Tips to Express Your Emotions
6. Bullying
Because the dominant partner feels that he or she offers you intimacy and protection, in some cases the urge to control and abuse you arises — either physically or mentally. After a while there is only criticism and humiliation .
You are the reason why your partner is always angry, simply because everything is your fault. You are also often bullied, criticized and humiliated in public. Any moment or decision can result in a disagreement or argument . You are increasingly the object of contempt and ridicule.
7. Manipulation
A narcissistic personality, self-centeredness, extreme possessiveness, the need for control and the desire to always get your way: these are the signs that a relationship could become dangerous. In any case, these are the signs that predominate in unhealthy, pathological and violent relationships. Yet the outside world does not always see the manipulation .
The dominant partner is often deceptively charming to others, so much so that others have no idea what is really going on. The abused partner is often intimidated and afraid of being publicly exposed. The real challenge is therefore to sound the alarm and point it out to others.
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