5 Signs You Need to Walk Away From a Dysfunctional Relationship

Dysfunctional relationships never produce the desired result of love and stability that so many people seek. Unfortunately, there is a proclivity to remain in these dysfunctional unions until the dysfunctionality becomes increasingly tolerable. The problem is that the longer you remain in a dysfunctional relationship, the more dysfunctional it becomes. It is virtually impossible to repair dysfunction from within — primarily due to the fact that the dysfunction is normalized with each passing moment — making it increasingly difficult to recognize.

Fortunately, there are a number of signs that are indicative of the need to walk away from a dysfunctional relationship, and acknowledging and acting on these signs can save you a lot of unnecessary strain. Following are five signs that you need to walk away from a dysfunctional relationship.

1. Tedium & Redundancy

You can experience this phenomenon in a number of ways. One of the most common occurrences of tedium and redundancy in a dysfunctional relationship will come in the way of unresolved conflict, in which the same argument continues to present itself as an unresolved trigger for hostility and aggression. This is generally a result of a total breakdown in communication and the unwillingness to compromise — a result of selfishness.

2. Perpetual Blame

If you find yourself in a situation in which you are always being blamed any time something goes wrong, it is likely that your mate is incapable of personal accountability. When a person has a proclivity to avoid accountability, they will become highly adept at twisting the facts to fit their perspective of reality. This can also lead to bouts of hostility.

3. Bearing Disproportionate Guilt

If you find yourself constantly apologizing, especially for things that you have not done, this is not normal, and it is definitely not healthy. If you are always the one who has to suck it up and be the peacemaker, it will wear on you emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. It is only so long that you can continue to be the fall guy in the relationship before it takes its toll on you.

4. Outbursts of Anger

While even the most levelheaded person can occasionally lose their temper, this should not be a common occurrence in a relationship. If you find yourself connected to a person who is easily enraged, especially when the level of anger does not correspond with the current situation, this is not only unhealthy, it is potentially dangerous. Unbridled anger is the predecessor to violence — mentally, emotionally and physically. Unfortunately, the progression can be so slow that by the time you detect it, you could already be a victim of domestic violence — don’t wait, leave now.

5. A Depreciation in Self-worth

You should not be in a situation in which you actually feel worse about yourself when you are around your partner. Any person that treats you in a manner that causes you to question your worth is toxic to your existence. You must understand that there is more than one type of abuse, and in some ways, mental and emotional abuse can be equally as devastating as physical abuse — with the scars taking much longer to heal.

There are many signs that you are in a dysfunctional relationship that is going nowhere fast. The five signs listed here are strong indicators that it is time for you to move on. Most people wait too long to leave, hoping that things will get better, and they end up suffering far more than they should. Relationships should bring life, joy and satisfaction, not varying levels of stress and strain. Take heed to the signs and act accordingly.