All of us have both healthy and unhealthy behavioral tendencies. Some relationships bring out the best in us, while others can bring out the worst. The same goes for the person you’re with. Sometimes, though, it’s hard to tell if a relationship is unhealthy.

To help you see more clearly, here are 10 characteristics of an unhealthy relationship:

Sometimes obvious, sometimes subtle, controlling behavior often shows up as emotional manipulation. A partner may try to control who you see, what you wear, how often you go out, or other personal choices. They often use tactics to make you feel guilty to prevent you from doing these things.

It’s normal to feel some jealousy occasionally. In an unhealthy relationship, jealousy becomes aggressive or demeaning, with accusations or overreactions to normal situations, questioning your motives unfairly.

Communication is key to understanding your partner and maintaining a healthy connection. When communication is poor or absent, arguments escalate, expectations go unmet, and emotional distance grows.

Challenging your partner is one thing, but constant, hurtful criticism is unhealthy. This can include harsh judgments about how someone spends their time, handles money, interacts with others, what they eat, or how they dress.

Boundaries are essential for respect and emotional safety. If your partner repeatedly ignores or pushes your boundaries despite clear communication, it may be time to pause and evaluate the relationship.

Respect shows care and consideration in a relationship. Disrespect can look like belittling, ignoring feelings, or intentionally pushing past boundaries, and it undermines trust and emotional safety.

Relationships require effort from both partners. When one person consistently gives more than the other, it can lead to feelings of being undervalued or uncared for. We can often try to overcompensate, but the needs are still unmet.

All relationships have expectations, but some can be unreasonable. Examples include expecting constant attention, demanding physical affection on your terms, or expecting a partner to drop everything whenever desired.

Physical and sexual abuse are a serious violation. If this has happened, it’s important to reach out for help. Call 911 or the Sexual Abuse Hotline at (800) 656-4673. Maybe you don’t know if what is happening to you is sexual abuse, we would encourage you to talk to someone you trust about it.

A healthy relationship should feel safe. Experiencing fear, worrying about how your partner might react, or fearing physical or emotional harm are signs that the relationship is unhealthy.

Not every characteristic alone determines if a relationship is unhealthy, but noticing a pattern of these behaviors could be a red flag. Take time to reflect on your relationship, your feelings, and what steps are best for you. If you experience any form of abuse, it’s important to seek help and know that you have immeasurable worth and every right to protect yourself. If you need help to get out of an abusive situation, you can contact the Dove Center in Saint George, UT at (435) 628-0458.

Want to learn about what a healthy relationship looks like? Read our blog: 10 Characterisitcs of a Healthy Relationship. We are here for you and would love to sit, listen and talk with you. Contact us anytime!