Ways of Helping Those Struggling with Relationships
We've all been in a relationship where things aren't going well. It could be with a loved one, a friend, or even a stranger.
No matter who it is with, we want to find ways to make things better. Relationships are one of the most critical aspects of our lives, and we all deserve to have them be as healthy as possible.
Even the brightest and most charming individuals may be trapped in a relationship that drains them dry. The scars may not be visible, but you can tell that whatever is going on isn't good.
A toxic relationship is harmful to a person's well-being. Yet, it differs from an abusive relationship (if there are physical or emotional abuse indicators, this is a different scenario and necessitates a distinct action plan).
The unhealthy dynamics in a less-than-ideal gray relationship may be highly detrimental to one's well-being. That's why they're sometimes referred to as toxic relationships.
How to Tell If Someone is in a Toxic Relationship?
There are a few essential signs to look out for if you're concerned that someone you know may be in a toxic relationship.
First and foremost, has this person's overall mood changed dramatically? Are they more withdrawn than usual, or have they become more irritable and short-fused?
Do they seem tired all the time, even when they should be getting enough sleep? Do they have any new health problems that didn't exist before?
These changes in behavior and physical appearance can indicate that something is wrong. If you notice them, gently inquire about what's going on – but don't push too hard if the person isn't ready to talk.
In these complex cases, professionals with an online masters in counseling no gre degree can provide additional support if needed because they have the relevant experience and expertise to handle such cases without problems.
In addition to changes in behavior, pay attention to changes in the person's relationship with those around them.
Has their relationship with you changed? Have they pulled away from friends or family members or stopped participating in activities they used to enjoy?
These changes can signify that the person is feeling disconnected and unsupported.
How to Help Someone Struggling With a Bad Relationship
It's unpleasant to see someone you care about in a relationship that negatively influences them. You wish to communicate anything at all.
Unfortunately, the individual you care about may not be prepared to hear what you have to say, and it's difficult to know if you'll regret saying something or nothing when it comes down to it.
Keep Your Judgments To Yourself:
Recognize and accept your fallibility. We all make mistakes, especially in our assessments of others. Emotions, interpretations, and the experience of "love" are not logical.
Even if someone you care about errs in judgment in your opinion, you have done so as well, perhaps in a similar manner or many other ways. So take a deep breath and go easy on your harsh judgments.
If you fail to resist the urge to share your thoughts and feelings, do so with the understanding that you are communicating to understand, not to judge or change.
It is often difficult for people in a bad relationship to see it objectively. So offer them your support by listening to understand and being non-judgmental.
Validate Their Feelings:
We want to defend those we care about. However, we must allow them to learn, develop, and make mistakes independently. It's a harrowing experience to watch someone learn something. It's up to them whether they "see the light" or not.
It's their life and journey; it isn't yours. Accept their path if you genuinely love and care for someone. Even if you disagree with their choices, show respect for them.
Telling someone in a toxic relationship that they're wrong, crazy, or overreacting will only make them feel worse. A much better strategy is to validate their feelings – even if you don't agree with how they express them.
Saying things like "I can feel why you might feel that way" or "It makes sense that you'd be upset" can go a long way toward diffusing the situation and making the other person feel heard.
Don't Try to Fix Their Relationship:
You cannot fix something you aren't a part of, and even if you could, it's not your place. It is something the person who is in a bad relationship needs to figure out for themselves. All you can do is be there for them and offer assistance and direction along the road.
If the person you care about agrees, suggest they seek professional help. A therapist or counselor will provide them with additional support and tools to deal with their situation.
You can do your part by finding them the best therapist for their needs.
Don't Distance Yourself From Them:
It may be difficult to recognize at first, but don't change your connection simply because you don't like your spouse. You might not care for them, yet you must accept and tolerate them due to the circumstances.
If you genuinely care about someone, your personal connection with them should take precedence over your dislike for their partner or relationship.
After all, tomorrow might be the day their relationship comes to an end. You were there before, and you'll be there long later. Don't cut the rope; it could be your lifeline back to sanity.
Divert Their Mind:
When all else fails, try to divert their mind. It can be anything from a new movie or book recommendation to taking them out for coffee. The more you can get them away from the negative situation and talk about something else, the better.
You could also, of course, with permission, suggest the partners give each other another chance and start afresh.
They could sit and talk, try and have fun together, go out on dates. If the relationship is worth saving, it's worth trying everything to keep it.
Ending the relationship is not always the best solution. It takes two to make a relationship work, and if both parties are willing to put in the effort, then it may be worth trying to salvage what they have.
However, if one person is unwilling or unable to change, it may be time to walk away.
The Gist:
Bad relationships are tough on everyone involved. If you're feeling lost and don't know what to do, these tips should help guide you in the right direction.
Just remember that it's essential to be supportive without being judgmental – after all, we've all been there before. And always remember that love is never wrong.