Most people assume that destructive relationships are a different name for abusive relationships.
However, that’s not completely true. While abusive and toxic relationships are destructive, those aren’t all. Many other traits of a relationship also make it destructive.
So, if you wish to know what destructive relationships are and how to tackle them, then this think piece will help you out.
Come on, let’s get started!
What Are Destructive Relationships?
Destructive relationships are those that negatively affect your well-being. It showcases toxic and abusive dynamics. They may impact you physically, emotionally, verbally, and in many other forms.
In these relationships, one person is the direct offender. While the other one enables the offender by blindly believing them.
Types Of Destructive Relationships And How To Deal With Them
Now that you have quite a bit of an idea about destructive relationships, it’s time to see the different types and solutions on how to deal with such toxic people.
1. Sexually destructive
Sexual assault forms a major part of a sexually-destructive relationship. Here, it’s important to understand that sexual assault can happen to anyone, irrespective of their gender or sexual identity.
However, women have to face major sexual abuse in many parts of the world, simply due to their gender.
How to deal with it?
Consent is the key to a healthy relationship. It’s extremely important that both you and your significant other understand the importance of saying and understanding no.
If your partner has no respect for your body, you must leave them. You may even take legal action against them.
2. Physically destructive
Physical abuse is what comes to people’s minds when they hear about a physically abusive relationship. While that may be true, this is only a part of the entire picture.
Whether an uncomfortable slap on the back while “joking” or the threat to physically hurt – both are accepted as a form of physical abuse.
How to deal with it?
Physical abuse is absolutely unacceptable. If your partner hits or slaps you even once, talk to a trusted friend or family member and seek help.
Alternatively, you can also seek help from a professional source, such as a psychiatrist or some sort of legal help.
3. Emotionally or mentally destructive
The biggest problem with this kind of destruction is that it’s almost impossible to figure out what constitutes emotional or mental abuse.
For many people, an unkind word from their partner can simply be a joke, but for others, it can mean something completely different.
However, if your partner always puts you down or doesn’t pay attention to your emotions, it’s definitely a form of abuse.
How to deal with it?
Here, it’s important to trust your gut feeling. Once you’re sure that your partner is emotionally or mentally hurting you, it’s time to go to a loved one and seek their advice.
Tell them your concerns and keep an open mind. If they confirm your fears, you know it’s time to walk away.
4. Verbally destructive
Verbal abuse might seem quite insignificant as compared to other forms of abuse. But in reality, this is the place from where it all starts.
If you leave it unchecked, things will get worse. It takes different forms, such as nagging, complaining, insulting, public criticism, and accusations.
How to deal with it?
Since this is only the beginning, it’s better to talk to your partner before doing anything else.
Sit down with them and explain how you feel insulted and which of their comments have hurt you. Chances are, they’ll understand you and keep your emotions in mind.
So, even though you know the types, you’re uncertain whether you’re in one. If yes, then keep reading…
10 Signs To Identify Destructive Relationships
It’s normal to struggle to identify what makes a relationship destructive. Especially since you still have some love for your partner, your emotions are pretty much all over the place.
So, here are some subtle signs to let you know whether your relationship is destructive.
1. You don’t feel safe enough to open up
One big sign that your relationship isn’t healthy enough is when you hesitate before opening up to them.
Your partner should be your greatest pillar of strength and your best friend. However, in a destructive relationship, you feel uncomfortable being vulnerable with them.
2. You lie to each other
Lying is also a major red flag in a relationship.
There are different definitions of honesty. But, most couples agree that both people should be as honest as possible, especially when it comes to important decisions or incidents.
But if you feel that lying to them is easier than opening up, it means your relationship requires help.
3. You get cheated on
If your partner cheats on you and shows no remorse or apologizes but continues to test your patience, that’s a big sign of a destructive relationship.
4. You don’t want to be together anymore
Sure, there are times when you get bored or too angry with your partner. But if that’s a constant emotion, it’s a sign that your relationship might be destructive.
Instead of wanting to take things further, you’re just waiting for the right time and opportunity to leave them. Right now, you’re together because that’s the only option left.
5. There is no emotional support
Emotional support is a must in every relationship. If your partner can’t provide you with that, then there must be something wrong.
For example, whenever something good or bad happens to you, you want to tell it to someone else instead of talking to your significant other.
6. You don’t get any space
Every individual requires a bit of emotional and mental space where they can flourish outside of their relationship.
Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that their partners have their individual identities, hobbies, and dreams.
If this happens in your relationship, it’s a sign of destruction.
7. You both make up by only having sex
Sure, sex is a great way to show your love for one another, but that should never be the means to resolve fights.
Whenever you have an argument, do you not talk things out? Do you instead jump straight inside the bedroom?
If the answer is yes, then it’s a clear sign that the relationship isn’t working out.
8. There is too much of codependency
Codependency is that stage of the relationship where your partner becomes your everything, to the point that you lose your sense of identity.
If this is your story, your love for each other turned into a kind of unhealthy addiction. This ultimately leads to the deterioration of the relationship.
9. The relationship is abusive
Abuse can come in different forms and ways. While physical and sexual abuse can be seen evidently on the body, emotional abuse is far more difficult to diagnose.
But if you feel that your partner has been constantly draining your mental strength by manipulating you or undermining your achievements, it’s a clear sign of a destructive relationship.
10. You keep waiting for your partner to change
You must have heard people say that love can change people.
Unfortunately, love isn’t everything in a relationship. No matter how much you love someone, they will only change if they put effort into themselves.
Hence, waiting for your partner to change into a considerate person won’t solve anything.
A word from ThePleasantRelationship
Remember, it’s not worth being in a destructive relationship. If your guts say something is off, it’s high time you recognize what’s wrong with the dynamics of your bond.
If your relationship is becoming destructive and you don’t know what to do, there are always people from whom you can receive help.
Save yourself because only you can bring the needed change!
