A relationship is supposed to be stable, nurturing, and safe.
Not all relationships are like that, though; some are dysfunctional.
It can be hard to recognize a dysfunctional relationship when youre the one in it.
Assess your own feelings
Are you stressed out a lot?
Really check in with your emotions, both while youre with them and when youre apart.
If you feel more relaxed and comfortable away from them, dont hide that from yourself.
You should feel secure in your relationship.
The purpose of a relationship is to enhance your life, said Laurel House, aneharmonyrelationship expert.
You are in some way better because you are together.
Read those strings of words back to yourself.Happinessandcomfortare positives.Fearandinsecurityare negatives.
Really level with yourself.
Which of those groups of feelings do you identify more with when you think about your partner?
If its the negative one, you might be in a dysfunctional relationship.
Thats why so many dysfunctional relationships exist.
Sometimes, this feeling can stop you from taking an honest look at your situation.
Dont choose the blinders here.
First of all, theres a reason its called the sunk costfallacy.
Its not a reasonable or fair way to think.
But there are also ways to catch a bad relationship early on and avoid getting deeper into it.
These are early warning signs your relationship with that person could turn out dysfunctional.
Feel it out and make the safest decision for yourself.
Dont write off a bad day as a bad relationship
Finally, take a breather here.
A burst of negativity can be really unsettling and you want to do whats best for yourself.
Still, take a step back for a moment.
As mentioned, there are a lot of stressful things in this world.
have a go at talk it out with your partner.
You never know when an emotional eruption might be triggered.
