Getting into a new relationship can be exciting, exhilarating, and even a little scary. There’s a whole lot of worry involved in finding that someone who seems to really like you, and that’s why it’s so important to keep a few things in mind before taking your relationship too far.
1. Disrespect
Not even the best relationships can survive without mutual respect. The absence of this can spell disaster for any romantic connection, and it can quickly derail a relationship if it isn’t corrected.
Disrespect in a relationship can show up in a variety of ways. Some of the most common signs of disrespect include lying and not being truthful to your partner.
Another sign of disrespect is a partner who shows contempt for their partner by making derogatory comments about their looks, values, and beliefs.
These statements may be harmless, but if they become a pattern in your interactions with your partner they’re probably one of the most important things to avoid. They can also be a huge warning sign for future potential problems in your relationship.
2. Holding Grudges
Holding grudges is one of the most common and harmful behaviors people engage in. They can lead to a variety of negative consequences, including health problems and a lack of trust in others.
While occasional anger, frustration, disappointment, disillusionment, feeling attacked, ignored or let down, or other negative feelings towards others may be an unavoidable reality of life, coping with them in a healthy way is imperative for long-term well-being.
However, holding grudges can be detrimental and painful for the person holding it–just like the hurt that inspired it. In fact, research suggests that harboring angry feelings can exacerbate mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
3. Avoiding Difficult Conversations
Many relationships start off with problems that are difficult to resolve. This can lead to arguments and conflict down the road if they’re not addressed properly.
It’s also easy for people to avoid having conversations about these issues – they don’t want to get hurt. This isn’t healthy for the relationship as it can damage the sense of intimacy that can come from having these difficult discussions.
People are often triggered by emotions during these conversations, so it’s important to learn how to navigate them without losing control. This can take practice, but it’s essential for a healthy and strong relationship.
4. Ignoring Red Flags
If you ignore red flags early on in a relationship, they can ruin your chances of getting the best out of it. This isn’t always the case, but you might be tempted to overlook certain behaviors that could be a red flag, according to experts.
Overly controlling behavior is a common red flag, as is if your partner has no respect for your boundaries.
Another important red flag is if they start to alienate you from your family, friends, or colleagues. This is a huge sign that the relationship has begun to degrade and it’s time to get out.
Red flags can be hard to spot, but they’re a crucial part of determining if a relationship is right for you. If you see any of these signs, it’s a good idea to address them quickly and honestly.
5. Not Asking Questions
If you are in a new relationship, it is important to ask questions that will help your partner get to know you better. It also helps you establish trust, boundaries, and intimacy.
Unfortunately, many people don’t ask the right questions in relationships. They are unsure of what to ask, which can lead to awkwardness and embarrassment.
This is a mistake that can ruin your relationship. Instead of asking sensitive questions like salary, relationship status or personal topics, it is better to ask your partner about their goals and likes/dislikes.