by Rebecca Adams
I know what you’re thinking. Rome was not built in a day, and great relationships take time to develop and nurture. That deeper loving, relating and understanding takes energy, commitment and focus.
There is no substitute for great – honest -to goodness advice when making good relationship decisions. It will be your saving grace when you need to honesty look at yourself, mate or situation – in order to make serious decisions.
In our fast lives and soppy romantic movies, we are fooled in to believing that relationship success is easy and effortless. No one ever takes the time to explain the strategies that could be implemented, the understanding that needs to be nurtured. Somehow it’s all implied – by default you should know what works and what doesn’t.
As if.
What is one to do – if people refer to you as either a doormat or a quitter depending on whether you stay in a miserable situation or leave.
Now that over two thirds of marriages end in divorce, the importance of good quality advice is paramount. Keep your eyes and ears open, right from the beginning. Make silent notes (or even written) of the behaviour that bothers you and don’t make excuses for them. Similarly don’t have unreasonable or unrealistic expectations.
Fore-warned is Fore-armed.
Look Out For These Unhealthy Relationship Types
1. The Aggressive
Sounds pretty obvious ladies and gents, but any form of physical abuse is not to be tolerated. Get out now especially if children are involved.
Your safety is of the highest importance. If you still desire to work on the ‘relationship’ only do so from a safe distance, and only if your safety can be guaranteed.
Remember you are not their parent or therapist. Do not try and ‘fix’ or ‘help’ them as they will never grow and will always depend on you. We are all only responsible for own happiness and nobody else’s. I recommend that you get professional advice in this situation.
2. The Bitter Pill
They are never happy for you or your achievements. They never notice a new shirt, haircut, or accessory. They seek any opportunity to mimize your success and every opportniuty to highlight a negative occurance or mistake.
Putting other people down, makes their feeble egos feel better. They are energy and emotional leeches.
Using a neutral third party may be useful in getting them to see their behaviour in the light of day. Assuming you still want to work on the relationship. If not – get out fast while you still have your self respect intact.
3. The Love Rat
They are very suspcious when it comes to your cell phone and emails, but are very secretive about their business. You feel something is not right, but can’t quite figure out why.
They love to project their guilty selves on to you – making you responsible for their suspicions, moods, stress and taxes.
Get investigating and get out soon.
4. The Power Hungry
Does the thought of you spending time with friends and family – bring on a case of the severe sulk?
Does your beloved suddenly become sick, stuck in traffic or experience something ‘major’ at work just before your big night out?
They are threatened by those who are importance to you. They are still insecure and threatened despite all your reassurances.
Ask yourself how long you are willing to put up with this? However if you wish to work on this – do so with the help on a neutral third party.
5. The Libido Has Left The Room
If one of you has had a severe nose dive in the libido department, then this could pose some problems in the future. This also applies if you have hugely different drives.
It may be that a bit of support and understanding could make all the difference. Discuss things openly with your lover and act accordingly
A healthy, honest and sensitive approach is recommended in this situation. Try and look beyond the obvious, as problems in the bedroom could actually be a cover for other feelings such as anger, lack of intimacy, fatigue and resentment.
6. The Hippy or Wild Spirit
They belong to the 60’s – carefree yet not so single.
They may actually be in more need of a parent then a partner. Often needy, posessive, and irresponsible they love to be taken care of.
You will end up drained, tired and resentful as you end up giving more than you get.
7. In Need of Repair
Possessing a ‘victim mentality’ they have a long catalogue of hurts.
If only they had the strength and courage to write these hurts down and pick out the patterns.
Due to the fragile nature of their egos, they will never accept your love and attention as the ‘real deal’.
You may want to involve a neutral third party so that their negativity can be pointed out to them. You may end up tired of re-assuring them. You have been warned.
8. Self Love Gone Too Far
Indulged by a parent or parents from day one – they can do no wrong. It’s all your fault.
Attachment to the adoring parent runs deep. Therefore they are always the cute and innocent party.
It’s time to come back down to earth. Get a neutral third party involved if they do not believe you.
If they still do not see the light, give them their marching orders.
9. Hygiene – Not Just for The Kitchen
What is that smell?! If you’re like me and your stomach is not so strong, then poor personal and hygiene habits could make you run for the hills. Speed is of the essence.
We all value hygiene and self care. Ask yourself why you would want to spend time with someone who hasn’t bothered to look and smell good for you.
10. Hellooo – I do Exist
These people care more about themselves than you. That’s the cold, hard truth of it. They want you to fuss over them, be there for them, but do think of expecting anything in return.
Clarify your needs and boundaries immediately. State the minimum standards you expect in terms of good manners and consideration. If you still have to tell them after the second warning, they are ‘out’.
You are not their slave. Get out pronto.
Now that you have the ‘ 10 signs ‘ under your belt, you will be far more prepared when dealing with difficult situations. However always keep in mind that your behaviour may also have something to do with theirs. Therefore always first look at yourself and how you are contributing to the relationship. If you feel that you have been civil and reasonable, have honestly expressed your thoughts and things still haven’t improved (despite some neutral third party help), then it’s time to make some tough decisions.
Just keep in mind that you deserve to be treated with respect, consideration, and appreciation at all times.
May you always be happy!
About the Author:
Hi I’m Rebecca Adams – and i’ve been giving
relationship tips to singles and couples. So whether your new to dating, just starting a relationship, walking the dating minefield, or happily or unhappily married – there’s something for you! Pick up your free Gift today : The 8 Keys to Having a
Great Relationship Experience — And Why it All Starts With YOU!