Red Flags in Relationships
Relationships can be beautiful if they are healthy and both partners respect each other. However, there are some relationships with major red flags that need to be taken care of. Red flags are warning signs that can indicate unhealthy or manipulative behavior. Unfortunately, toxic situations aren’t only in romantic relationships. Red flags can appear in friendships, colleagues, family members, and partners. By becoming aware of common red flags, you can help yourself and others avoid toxic relationships.
Toxic behavior isn’t always a clear sign. This behavior can be subtle and insidious. During times of weakness, it can creep up on you and if you aren’t strong enough, it can take control of you. When you love someone so much, you can start to accept these red flags as just part of the relationship as opposed to warning signs. This can put you in danger of emotional, psychological, or even physical harm.
There are a ton of red flags out there, but in relationships, there are some common ones you can look for:
- Overly controlling behavior
- Lack of trust
- Feeling low self-esteem
- Physical, emotional, or mental abuse
- Substance abuse
- Narcissism
- Anger management issues
- Codependency
- Inability to resolve conflict
- Constant jealousy
- Gaslighting
- Lack of emotional intelligence
- Negatively affecting your relationships with family and friends
All these red flags are major warning signs that your relationship might not be healthy. If you are experiencing one or more of these flags, it would be a good time to pause and reflect on the dynamic you really share with that person.
Approaching red flags can be difficult. It must be done with tact, honesty, and self-care. It is important to acknowledge your own needs and create a self-care plan. At times it may be necessary to seek professional help, communicate, and avoid being overly emotional. You want to be honest with yourself, set boundaries, and try to reconnect with friends and family. But the biggest and most important thing is understanding and knowing when to leave.
Still, feel like you need extra help? The attorneys at Brown, Dutton & Crider Law Firm LLC would be honored to stand by your side during this difficult time. Jenni, Lance, and Tracy are experienced, transparent, and compassionate Georgia family lawyers that have been practicing attorneys for more than a combined 35 years. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin planning for your future!