Things about Relationships I wish someone told me about

Summary

The video discusses red flags in interpersonal relationships, explaining how manipulation and toxicity can develop slowly over time. It emphasizes the importance of communication, boundary-setting, and self-care when confronting unhealthy dynamics. Though supporting loved ones is important, the video urges viewers not to take responsibility for others' happiness at the expense of their own well-being. It provides thought-provoking questions to help assess the health of a relationship and determine if or when walking away is necessary.

Takeaways

• 😣 Toxic relationships can be difficult to recognize when you have a positive view of someone
• 😡 Emotional manipulation happens slowly over time by influencing how you perceive people
• 😠 Isolating you from friends/family is a major red flag
• 😫 You are not responsible for anyone else's happiness or mental health
• 😤 Threats, guilt trips, and passive aggression are unacceptable
• 😒 Mental illness does not excuse unhealthy behavior in relationships
• 😌 Communicate clearly when someone is negatively impacting you
• 😴 Recognize when a relationship is damaging your well-being
• 🤔 Reflect on your own behaviors - don't just blame the other person
• 😊 You deserve healthy relationships that make you feel good

Q & A

What are some examples of 'red flags' in relationships?

Red flags include things like a partner cheating, using people for personal gain, isolating someone from friends and family, threatening self-harm, and more. Basically any unhealthy, manipulative behaviors.

How does manipulation typically work in relationships?

Manipulation often builds slowly over time, working to isolate someone emotionally rather than obviously controlling their actions. It makes unhealthy behaviors seem normal.

Why is it hard to recognize manipulation from trusted people?

When someone you trust and care for does something questionable, the mind tries to rationalize it and make excuses because of the positive view of that person.

What should you do if a partner is threatening self-harm?

You are not responsible for anyone else's happiness or mental health. Encourage them to seek professional help, but don't let yourself be manipulated.

How can you maintain boundaries in an abusive relationship?

Communicate clearly how their actions make you feel, set limits on what behaviors you will accept, and build up your own support system apart from that relationship.

What are signs you should leave an unhealthy relationship?

If you avoid the person, feel worse after spending time together, are threatened, isolated from others, feel like you're 'walking on eggshells', etc.

How can someone work on themselves to have healthier relationships?

Look inward at your own behaviors and how they affect people, take responsibility for mistakes, give yourself self-care, and build up self-confidence.

What should you remember when breaking things off with someone?

Remember clearly why it didn't work out and don't get back together unless the core problems have been addressed and fixed.

What are some key questions to assess an unhealthy relationship?

Do you avoid them? Feel threatened? Unable to make decisions alone? Are you put down? If you answer Yes, reconsider the relationship.

Why is it important to take care of your own needs?

You deserve clean air and a healthy environment. Don't tolerate pollution or draining relationships at the expense of your own wellbeing.