Channel Button

There are 69 articles on this title. You are reading the article ranked and rated #7 by Helium's members.

Relationships & Family   >

Couple Communication

Get a Widget for this title

Red flags in a relationship

Relationships experience similar ups and downs to that which life throws at us; in some cases even more so. These do not necessitate immediate flight, since obstacles and conflict are natural. However, there are some signals of relationship deterioration into an unhealthy relationship. Missing any one of six red flags in your relationship would not be good for you or your relationship in the long run.

1) Abuse

Whether it's verbal, emotional physical or sexual abuse; this is should be an invitation to escape or seek relationship help at least. Verbal and emotional abuse can be dealt with, but it often happens that the same vices that spur it translate to other forms of abuse as well. Abuse does not merely undermine the relationship bond, but seeks to replace it with fear, manipulation and other negative emotions. Although abuse is a very obvious red flag, its warning signs (possessiveness, jealousy and sadism) are also bright-red indicators.

2) Dishonesty

Honesty and truth are somewhat contentious concepts. However, it is accepted that the intention behind the dishonesty is important. Sporadic dishonesty with justification can be tolerated. Regular dishonesty- even on apparently trivial matters- can undermine trust in a relationship. On the bright side, you could write a book on the impact of the habitual liar on a relationship.

3) Lack of privacy or space

This is another indicator that trust- a pillar of relationships- is absent. Having a clingy partner may not necessarily suggest that you're all that. What it likely suggests is that your partner may be developmentally challenged or simply a controlling, manipulative individual. This red flag is actually a green light for counselling or a paved path to "Single Ville".

4) Communication gradually declines

Communication ought to occur beyond the superficial level in a healthy relationship. The concept of intimacy is premised on communication involving sharing of intimate thoughts and emotions. Using Robert Sternberg's classification of love, the absence of meaningful communication leads to either blind love (passion and commitment without intimacy) or empty love (commitment without passion or intimacy).

5) There a negative change in your partner's behaviour

Changes in your partner's behaviour may be obvious. Still, the reason behind the change (especially a change for the worse) is often unclear. A negative change usually excludes the other party in the relationship and indicates a deeper relationship chasm. Often it is a sign of discontent, disenchantment or guilt. There are many manifestations of negative changes and even more possible reasons for it. Negative behavioural changes are red flags hoisted high above the structure of relationships.

6) The roving eye

Convention has it that if you are satisfied with what you have, there is no need to search for deputies, substitutes or replacements. If other people catch your partner's eyes too easily, your partner could be planning how to chew the grass on the other side. While it's unnatural to suppress your ability to identify good looks, there is a difference between acknowledging beauty and lusting after the goods.

This list is by no mean exhaustive. The fact is that there a many red flags in relationships- of different sizes and brightness. Not all red flags spell doom for your relationship. Indeed, there are few problems that are too insurmountable for relationship help. Relationship red flags are like vicious cancers and cyclical phenomena. Early detection and treatment can eliminate them or save you.

194221_m Learn more about this author, Darrell Victor.
Contact this writer Click here to send this author comments or questions.


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Red flags in a relationship

  • 1 of 69

    by Shaheen Darr

    You enter a relationship with a desire is to share your love and life with someone who will reciprocate those feelings back

    read more

  • 2 of 69

    by Thom W. Conroy

    Relationships are not suddenly thrust into disharmony without warning, there are red flags that give notice of trouble on

    read more

  • 3 of 69

    by Mary Ann Rudy

    A red flag represents warning or danger. It is a clear sign that all is not well, and that the best course of action is

    read more

  • 4 of 69

    by Brigid Bishop

    Red Flags in a Relationship

    Red flags in a relationship are dependent upon the length of said relationship, are we talking

    read more

  • 5 of 69

    by Sandra Lowen

    RED FLAGS IN RELATIONSHIPS

    Love is blind, deaf, dumb and stupid, folks say. If one believes in those first glistering days

    read more

View All Articles on:
Red flags in a relationship

Add your voice

Know something about Red flags in a relationship?
We want to hear your view. Write_penWrite now!

Helium Debate

Cast your vote!

Should you cut off all contact with a person who repeatedly disrespects you?

Click for your side.

122054

Featured Partner

Buckeye Institute

The Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions is a nonpartisan research and educational institute devoted to indi...more

What is Helium? | Buy Web Content | Contact Us | Privacy | User agreement | DMCA | User Tools | Help | Community | Helium’s Official Blog | Link to Helium

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA