Category: Counseling

Affordable online counseling for the LGBTQ community members.

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6 Signs That A Relationship Is Toxic

6 Signs That A Relationship Is Toxic

Relationships are meant to be sources of joy, support, and growth, but sometimes, they can turn toxic. Recognizing the signs of toxicity is crucial for maintaining emotional well-being and fostering healthy connections. Every week we receive many calls from people dealing with toxic partners. As a counselor, I try to identify all the key signs of a toxic relationship. What are the key signs that a relationship is toxic? Based on my own observation I have noted down 6 key signs of a toxic relationship. Take a look in the following section to identify a few key signs that a relationship is toxic. In this blog, we will explore six key indicators that may suggest a relationship is toxic. 

1. No Respect For Your “Yes”:

One of the major toxic relationship signs is absolute disregard for your every “yes”. If you prefer to go North then your partner will make it a target to go Southward, no matter what. This can manifest as constant arguments, constant disagreement, passive-aggressive behavior, or silent treatment. Even if that means unnecessary discomfort between you two or something more serious, despite that their behavior never changes. You might be wondering what they get by doing so, but the answer is simple. They are toxic. Do you observe such kinds of constant disregard from your partner? If so, then you are doomed.

2. No Respect For Your “No”:

Just like your every “Yes” your partner also does not acknowledge your any “No”. Effective communication is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship. In toxic relationships, however, communication often breaks down or becomes toxic itself. Healthy communication involves expressing feelings, active listening, and finding solutions together seem impossible. If communication in your relationship is marked by avoidance, hostility, or an unwillingness to address issues, it’s a clear sign of toxicity.

3. Control and Manipulation:

Toxic relationships often involve an imbalance of power, with one partner seeking to control the other. Control can take various forms, including manipulation, gaslighting, and imposing unrealistic expectations. Another way of control and manipulation is the constant threat of abandonment. If you feel like you are constantly walking on eggshells, have to justify your actions, or are made to feel guilty for expressing your needs and desires, these are signs of a toxic dynamic. Healthy relationships thrive on mutual respect, trust, and the freedom to be oneself.

4. Lack of Personal Growth:

A healthy relationship should support the personal growth and development of both partners. In a toxic relationship, personal growth is often stifled. This can happen when a partner is overly critical, dismissive of your goals, or actively undermines your aspirations. Are you constantly sacrificing your dreams, passions, or self-esteem for the sake of the relationship? Are you constantly wasting time for an uncertain future? Are you constantly chasing apparent unattainable goals in fear of losing something great? Then, it’s time to reevaluate whether the dynamic is toxic.

5. Constant Feelings of Draining Emotional Turmoil:

Toxic relationships are characterized by a consistent emotional rollercoaster. Partners may experience extreme highs and lows, with intense periods of affection followed by explosive conflicts. This emotional turmoil can lead to stress, anxiety, and a general feeling of instability. Healthy relationships involve emotional security, where partners feel safe expressing themselves without fear of judgment or reprisal.

6. Repeated Boundary Violations:

Respecting boundaries is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship. In toxic dynamics, boundaries are often ignored or deliberately crossed. This can manifest as a partner invading your personal space, disregarding your need for alone time, or engaging in behaviors that make you uncomfortable. Asking for your login ID and password to monitor your activity. Recognizing and enforcing boundaries is crucial for maintaining a sense of autonomy and self-respect within the relationship.

Identifying signs of toxicity in a relationship is the first step toward fostering positive change. It’s important to remember that toxicity can manifest in various ways, and each relationship is unique. If you recognize multiple signs mentioned here, it might be time to evaluate the overall health of your relationship and consider seeking professional guidance. Ultimately, prioritizing your emotional well-being and cultivating healthy connections is essential for a fulfilling and satisfying life.

One of the most evident signs of a toxic relationship is the presence of persistent negativity. If interactions with your partner consistently leave you feeling drained, anxious, or unhappy, it’s a red flag. Toxic relationships are characterized by a lack of positive communication, emotional support, and encouragement. When negativity becomes the dominant force in a relationship, it can hinder personal growth and create a toxic cycle that is difficult to break.

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6 Signs of A Toxic Relationship

signs of a toxic-relationship

Do you think, you are in a toxic relationship? Actually, I have been giving online counseling for many years now. During the course of my interaction, I have noticed an extreme level of depression among the members of the LGBTQ community. Therefore, talking about that issue became so important to me. In my quest, I lent an ear to the people that I meet through these sessions. On this article I am going to highlight few red flags that are the signs of a toxic relationship. 

Based on my study and hands-on experience of working with the community members, I have noticed I can offer my absolute non-judgmental listening and my compassion. As a result, I learn about an aspect of LGBTQ relationships. These are some of the signs of a toxic relationship that queer people should be wary of when entering a relationship.

1. Is your partner looking for someone of opposite sex?

Ans. Nobody wants to live in a hostile environment with the vulnerable minority. It’s evolutionary to seek “safety in numbers”. We understand your need for a devoted and faithful partner, though, you can’t have that “dream partner” when you are just an “experience” for them! In order to fit-into the society if your partner is looking for someone of the opposite sex then you are just a disposable item for them.

2. Is your partner already in a steady relationship?

Ans. I have noticed many married people are scouting online for that particular kind of “experience”. They start scouting especially when their initial glittering coating of “blissful married life” is worn-out from their marriages. Though you will be just an experience for them, still they would never be honest enough to admit their true intention to you. As a mater of fact, when you enter a relationship with these kinds of people, they would expect utmost love, attention, intimacy, faithfulness from you. In return, they are never going to give any of these to you.

Now, if you are in such a relationship where your partner is already in a steady relationship then definitely they are not going to sacrifice their social security for you. It may sound brutal, but these kinds of people would only enjoy your ‘offerings’ for them without making little to no effort. Under such circumstances, once that ‘honeymoon period’ is over you are not going to gain anything out of that relationship except pain. I’d say you’re destined for misery when you’re in an extra-marital relationship with someone who wants the ‘best of both worlds’! 

3. Do they easily blend into society without any second thought about you?

Ans. Your partner may fulfill all the conditions of the society to be seen as “normal”, and perhaps you do not enjoy the same social status. I have seen many queer people treating their closeted partners like sidekicks, while their partners are maintaining that relationship faithfully yet secretly. These kinds of people generally prefer to hide their partners in public as if their orientation is tattooed on their forehead.

4. Is your partner after a threesome fantasy?

Ans. On many occasions, men and women worldwide join online sites to fulfill threesome fantasies for a partner they are committed to. Those with some degree of maturity will make their intentions clear, and won’t disturb unwilling people unnecessarily. However, there are a few young heterosexual couple as well who don’t mention things on purpose.

I can remember one particular incident where a queer woman I know narrowly escaped a situation like this. It was sheer luck and presence of mind. She was lured by a woman at her flat. After arriving at the spot she realized she had been trapped and isolated, and there were two people waiting for her. Not something she agreed to. However, she managed to escape the bedroom and locked herself inside the bathroom. She could not call the police because the perpetrators threatened her to expose her sexual orientation at a time when Section 377 was still in effect. So, she called her friends and they came at once to rescue her. Watch out for such red flags!

5. Is your partner over cautious about their social image?

Ans. Is your partner not even ready to introduce you to his friends as a partner as if your sexual orientation is written all over on your face?

When a person doesn’t want to be seen with tomboys, butches, or femme men, watch out. They want to maintain dual slates; one for themselves and another for society. The second one is as ‘clean’ as the autumn sky.

Generally, they want to hide their sexual orientation, so desperately, that they become extremely paranoid. I am sure nobody would like to be treated as a ‘forbidden activity’. You don’t want to be with someone who is basically ashamed of your presence.

Start respecting yourself first and stay away from all those kinds of people who are causing you harm. Living alone is a far better choice than living in an abusive relationship and emotional abuse can be equally unbearable. 

6. Do you think they won't choose you over their family and society?

Ans. If any of the above-mentioned points are applicable to your relationship, then no matter how hard you try your partner will always play to the whims of their family and society. A person once clearly said to someone else, “As long as it’s about a physical relationship, I am okay with you. But whenever it comes to spending life together, then definitely I will settle with someone who is ‘normal’ like me. I want a ‘normal’ life.” These kinds of people would never choose you over society and family. Therefore, never ever get into such a relationship where you will never get treated with dignity.

These are the clear toxic signs of a relationship that not only applicable to the queer society rather everyone should be wary of. These issues needed to be addressed at the beginning. We have been giving online counseling to members of the LGBTQ community since February 2019. So far we have gathered many such mind-numbing stories of suffering and we will be sharing those stories on this platform along with relationship hacks. Apart from that, we will also give you much-needed opportunities for freelancing with our another platform Remote Owls. 

Our sincere request to you if you can relate to these toxic signs of a relationship topic then please like, share, and comment on the blog. Also, participate in our programs and also refer the platform to others. Let us make this initiative a great success. Always remember TOGETHER WE GATHER MORE!

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1 Lesbian Marriage & 10 Most Common Homophobic Questions (with Answers)

Lesbian Marriage

How often do you go online to see a real-life lesbian marriage? How often do you search online for the presence of the LGBTQ community? How often do you notice homophobia in your day-to-day life? How often do you encounter homophobic questions in your day-to-day life? Actually, all these questions started hitting my mind very recently when I was watching a lesbian marriage video on YouTube. That was a viral video where two young Bengali women were getting married following Bengali rituals and customs. 

Now, I have a bad habit and that is browsing through the comment section of every video I watch on YouTube. And, as we all know, old habits die hard. Therefore, I could not resist checking out the comments on this video. In my observations, along with best wishes, I saw that many YouTube users had made homophobic remarks—more precisely I noticed numerous ‘homophobic questions’ on their lesbian marriage life. As I scrolled through I was able to detect the 10 most common homophobic questions among those comments, and I’ve decided to answer all of them by myself.

1. “What kind of future a girl can have with another girl or a man with another man?”

Ans. The exact similar kind of future, with the similar pros and cons, that a man can have with ‘another woman’ or a woman can have with ‘another man’. Nothing unique about it. A lesbian married life is not going to be unique by any means. They are going to have their own ups and downs and that would not be unique by any means.

2. “What would they ‘do’ together?”

Ans. The intention of that question is extremely demeaning, and should not be directed to any person! I am not going to stoop that low. I just have one sentence for the people asking this question, and that is “That’s none of your business”.

3. “Can they have kids?”

Ans. Even every heterosexual couple on this planet can’t be guaranteed that they will have kids! Since, heterosexuality is not the only condition for having a child.

In my life, I have seen many childless heterosexual couples and they are living happily. For many couples, it was a part of their well-thought-out future plan to not have a child and living lives on their own terms. On the contrary, in this modern era, if a same-sex couple wants to have kids, they can have it by many ways (thanks to science). Modern science is developing many ways to give child to the childless couples irrespective of their sexual orientation. 

Having children is a very personal decision that only the concerned couple should take by themselves without any interference from society. I actually believe this rule is applicable to every couple irrespective of their sexual orientation. Unfortunately, our society can’t help poking their noses into the lives of even heterosexual couples, which is extremely rude.

4. “Would society accept them?”

Ans. I am sure society is changing pretty fast and one day they will change their mindset towards homosexuality as well. That change might not come in one year or 10 years. But, gradually, it will come.

5. “Don’t you think it’s against our culture and religion?”

Ans. It was one of the most common questions of that lesbian marriage. Are you talking about Hinduism? Multiple prominent ancient Hindu texts like the Kama Sutra and Padma Purana, among others, mention the presence of homosexuality in society. In Hinduism, there was, traditionally and historically, a certain level of tolerance for homosexuality and it never denied the existence of ‘sexual minorities’ (as we call them today) in Indian society.

However, issue presently there are 4000+ known religions on this planet and thousands of unrecognized religions as well. Therefore, drawing conclusions via the route of religion would be a disastrous slippery slope.

On the other hand, let alone humans, homosexuality is common in many non-human species as well and scientists are finding new pieces of evidence even in modern days. That means homosexuality is a part of nature. If it’s a part of nature then we possibly can’t deny the fact that it is also a part of the culture. It has been right from the beginning.

6. “If everyone becomes homosexuals then who would procreate and what will be our future as species?”

Ans. Everyone isn’t going to become “a homosexual”. Throughout the history of humankind, there have been gay people and straight people. So, unless a gay zombie virus attacks the human race and changes everyone’s sexual orientation overnight, there’s nothing to worry about.

7. “Are we going to face ‘Qayamat’ (apocalypse) in near future?”

Ans. No, we are not. The union of two consenting adults is never going to bring ‘Qayamat’. Look around you, if war, rape, genocide, corruption, violence against women and children, the mass destruction of flora and fauna are not bringing ‘Qayamat‘ then gay marriage or lesbian marriage would also not going to bring apocalypse.

8. “Don’t you think that, it is a modern mental health crisis?”

Ans. In December 1973, the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses in the DSM-III. It’s not a mental health issue and that is a scientifically proven fact.

9. “If a girl can have sex with another girl then why not with an animal?”

Ans. Homosexuality and beastiality are two absolutely different things. Any sexual act is normal as long as it’s happening between two consenting adults. As far as I know, we can’t understand the language animals speak, hence it’s not possible to obtain their consent. If a person goes after an animal with sexual intent, it’s animal abuse in the same way that sex without consent is consider as r@pe.

10. “Don’t you think that they can change their choice?”

Ans. Homosexuality is not a choice. Nobody chooses to be a homosexual just as nobody chooses to be heterosexual. People mentally wired to be the way they are, sexual orientation included. The harsh reality is with modern science you can change your complexion but can not change your sexual orientation.

In this article, I have tried to answer the 10 most intriguing questions I’ve seen online, and I am sure there are many more homophobic questions roaming out there waiting to be answered. Well, I’ll be ready to answer those questions as well. 

My request to you please read the article and if you think it’s worth discussing then please like, comment, and share the article among our community members. Meanwhile, you can also participate in various programs we have designed for the LGBTQ community on our platform.

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How To Get Rid of Homosexuality?

get-rid-of-homosexuality

How to get rid of homosexuality? Yes, I can understand, perhaps one of the most difficult things in this world is accepting your own sexual orientation. It’s more important when you’re not straight, and it’s significantly difficult when you live in a homophobic society.

Thanks to social media, the awareness level has increased by manifold within a very short span of time. However, the harsh reality is that as a society we are still homophobic, and making jokes about homosexuality is as common as it is considered acceptable in our society. Personally, I feel ashamed when I see my fellow social workers (who are extremely vocal about the movement in public) show the same level of insensitivity towards queers  in private. 

Under such circumstances, there are many who try to ‘get rid of homosexuality’ following ridiculous suggestions acquired from various sources; and, according to me, those are not as effective. However, the most effective methods that I am going to suggest to you all are tested methods. Therefore, you can test these methods by yourself. However, I am not going to give any assurance regarding the success probabilities of these methods.

1. "Just Pretend You Are Not A Homosexual!"

The very first thing you can do is “just pretend you are straight”. They want you to do this not only in front of others; you have to learn the critical art of pretending to yourself. 

Now, it might sounds like a very effective method; but, it’s really short-term process of fixing up an issue. Eventually, you are going to accept the real ‘YOU’ that lives inside you. After all how long someone can lie to themselves?

2. "Insult Homosexuals!"

One of my client was bullied by her female cousin in her early 20s when she was struggling with her own sexual orientation. Her cousin used to whisper in her ear “LESBIANNNN” to make her uncomfortable during different family reunions.

I asked her, “Why did you share your personal feelings with someone who is not a trustworthy person at all?”

Her reply baffled me. She said her cousin had opened up about her own attraction to her (my client) first and so my client felt comfortable enough to open up as well. Later this cousin got involved with a man and tied the knot. Post her marriage the cousin thought she had the right to mock my client because marriage had ‘cured’ her sexual orientation.

However, that method was also short-lived; because, after 10 years of marriage, her cousin suddenly wanted to rekindle their relationship. Suddenly she was pretty supportive of the entire LGBTQ+ community. Now, what was the reason for that sudden change? Well, my client’s cousin realized she could not lie to herself or her husband anymore about her true sexual orientation. Presently, she is carrying the coffin of their marriage all alone.

3. "Date Someone of the Opposite Sex!"

Yes, thanks to societal pressure, many people who are attracted to the same sex (including bisexual and pansexual people) do date people of the opposite sex just to avoid revealing the truth. 

Now, the most adverse reality of dating like this is you are involving another person in your own mess. Continue the charade, and you will either have to get married or break someone else’s heart. I don’t know which one is more ‘convenient’.

4. "You Need A Psychologist!"

A pseudo-modern society will ask you to attend regular counselling sessions just to “cure” yourself. Personally, I know someone who went to a psychologist in her early 20’s to ‘change her sexual orientation’ and she was paying ₹1500 for each session. That counsellor promised her he could and would change her sexual orientation. There were many sessions. And guess what? She is in a live-in relationship with another girl and both of them are doing pretty well. Now all she wants is a refund from that psychologist.

5. "Go Consult A Psychiatrist!"

I can remember at least two incidents where a few clients of mine were so determined to deny their sexual orientation that, they even consulted a psychiatrist for medication. Yes. they did this to themselves.

Luckily the psychiatrist sent them to a psychologist, and after proper counselling, they were able to accept the truth. Presently, they are living much more peaceful lives with their inner truth. Yes, with their inner truth!

Psychotherapy

6. "You'll Be Cured If You Get Married!"

The most convenient step to ‘get rid of homosexuality’, is getting married.  Since, after marriage, no one will bother about your homosexuality.

I am not against that option but if you have to marry, then maybe marrying someone within the queer community will at least assure your safety in the bedroom. Of course, it does not mean you are immune to social pressure. After marriage, the next pressure your family will put on you is children!

7. "Have Babies!"

Counselling

Recently, one of my clients informed me that she is planning for a baby. Exactly two years back, she got married under family pressure and that was a ‘Marriage of Convenience’. In popular culture we prefer to call it as MOC. 

For her own convenience she chose a gay bottom as her husband. According to her own consideration, since her would be husband is a gay man, therefore she is confident about her own ‘safety’. Back then in order to silence her family marrying a ‘bottom gay’ was the most convenient path for her (a top lesbian). 

However, now after two years of marriage, under social pressure, she is planning to have a baby. She is not alone. I have heard of many such scenarios where it seems ‘convenient’ for a while.

Once you have a baby, then homophobic society will say, “CONGRATULATIONS! Finally, you got rid of your homosexuality!”

Well, actually you’ll have to suppress your sexual orientation for the sake of your children at least for the next twenty-five years. You have to live this lie now many more years to come. This type of marriage of convenience in the LGBTQ community is a reality.

8. "Avoid Life!"

Sometimes family pressure can hit the roof, and then ‘home sweet home’ can turn into a metaphorical ‘gas chamber’.

I recall the story of two individuals who found an ingenious way to avoid the family crisis, and that is to roam the city till midnight, spending as little time as possible at home. Now, I am not sure whether you can change the status of your sexual orientation by following that way; but, I am sure you will definitely change the status of your health and safety. Sadly, you will be put in a situation where you have to choose which one is more important for you. Your life or this society?

I have seen many such community members who jumped into an ocean of all kinds of addictive substances just to ‘get rid of’ homosexuality. I don’t know either about the success ratio of that method as well, however, by following this method you’re sure to get rid of your life this way. No life, no tension of sexual orientation. No more question – “How to get rid of homosexuality?”

 

Recently a client of mine told me about a new drug that she has been taking. She introduced that drug to me as the ‘younger brother of Cocaine’. I was shocked and unable to comprehend this ‘escape route’.

The pressure to ‘be normal’ can become so much, and I have witnessed many such instances where queer people have, as a result, attempted to take their own lives. If you succeed in your attempt, then you shatter your near and dear ones. And if you don’t then you have to face everyone around you for the rest of your life. I don’t know which one is worse.

Our society can be so insensitive it can extract fun out of anyone’s misery. One woman I knew, attempted suicide by consuming phenyl. Overnight, people started to call her ‘Phenyl Aunty’. Yes, this is our society.

I am sure you have a fertile brain and you can come up with some more unique ideas. Therefore, I would urge you to come up with some ingenious ideas. If you feel that blog is worth reading then please like, share, and comment on the blog on the different social media platforms. 

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10 Most Common Signs Of Relationship Anxiety

Most-Common-Signs-Of-Relationship-Anxiety

Relationships are often depicted as idyllic unions filled with love, trust, and companionship. However, for many individuals, the journey of love is fraught with anxiety and uncertainty. Relationship anxiety, characterized by persistent worries, doubts, and insecurities about romantic relationships, can cast a shadow over even the happiest of partnerships. In this blog, we’ll explore the ten most common signs of relationship anxiety, supported by intriguing data, research findings, and poignant case studies. We will aim to shed light on this prevalent yet often overlooked aspect of interpersonal dynamics.

10 Most Common Signs Of Relationship Anxiety

Constant Fear of Abandonment:

One of the hallmark signs is a pervasive fear of abandonment or rejection by a romantic partner. Individuals may constantly worry about their partner leaving them, even in the absence of evidence or rational justification.

A study published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that fear of abandonment is a significant predictor of such anxiety, particularly in individuals with insecure attachment styles.

Reassurance Addiction:

People experiencing relationship anxiety often seek excessive reassurance from their partners to alleviate their fears and doubts. They may repeatedly ask for validation of their partner’s love and commitment, leading to strain and tension in the relationship. The need for constant reassurance can easily be termed as a form of addiction in such people.

Ira (Name Changed), a young woman in her mid-20s, constantly sought reassurance from her partner about their feelings and intentions. Despite her partner’s patience and reassurances, Ira’s anxiety persisted, causing friction and insecurity in their relationship.

Overanalyzing Situations:

Individuals with relationship anxiety tend to overanalyze every interaction, text message, or gesture from their partner, searching for hidden meanings or signs of trouble. This constant scrutiny can lead to misinterpretations and unnecessary conflicts.

A study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that individuals with such kind of anxiety are more likely to engage in rumination and over analysis of relationship-related information.

Jealousy and Possessiveness:

Jealousy and possessiveness are common manifestations of relationship anxiety, stemming from a fear of losing the partner’s affection or attention to others. Individuals may become excessively vigilant of their partner’s interactions with others, leading to feelings of insecurity and mistrust.

A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that jealousy is significantly associated with such anxiety and can have detrimental effects on relationship satisfaction and stability.

Difficulty Trusting Romantic Partner:

Trust is the foundation of healthy relationships, but individuals with relationship anxiety often struggle to trust their partners fully. They may constantly doubt their partner’s intentions, fidelity, or sincerity, leading to a cycle of mistrust and suspicion. That intrusive behavior contributes to relationship dissatisfaction and conflict and eventually break up.

Sunny (Name Changed), a man in his mid-30s, found it challenging to trust his partner despite their consistent demonstration of loyalty and commitment. His constant doubts and suspicions strained their relationship and eroded the trust between them.

Catastrophizing Future Scenarios:

People often engage in catastrophic thinking, imagining worst-case scenarios and potential threats to the relationship’s stability. These intrusive thoughts can fuel anxiety and undermine the individual’s ability to enjoy the present moment.

A study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that individuals with relationship anxiety are more likely to engage in catastrophic thinking and negative rumination about their relationships.

Avoidance of Intimacy or Vulnerability:

In an attempt to protect themselves from potential heartache or rejection, individuals may avoid intimacy or vulnerability with their partners. They may erect emotional barriers or withhold their true thoughts and feelings, fearing judgment or rejection.

A study published in the Journal of Family Psychology found that avoidance of intimacy is a common coping strategy among individuals with relationship anxiety, contributing to relationship dissatisfaction and distress.

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety:

It can manifest in various physical symptoms, including rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, nausea, or gastrointestinal disturbances. These physical manifestations of anxiety can exacerbate the individual’s distress and impair their ability to function effectively in the relationship.

Saniya (name changed), a middle-aged woman with relationship anxiety, experienced frequent panic attacks and gastrointestinal distress whenever she felt insecure or threatened in her relationship. These physical symptoms took a toll on her mental and emotional well-being, affecting her daily life and interactions with her partner.

Difficulty Setting Boundaries:

Individuals may struggle to establish and maintain healthy boundaries in their relationships. That leads to feelings of being overwhelmed or suffocated by their partner’s needs or expectations. They may prioritize their partner’s needs over their own, neglecting their well-being in the process.

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals with relationship anxiety are more likely to have difficulties setting and maintaining boundaries. That behavioral trait eventually leads to 

Negative Self-Talk and Low Self-Esteem:

It often coexists with negative self-talk and low self-esteem, as individuals internalize their fears and insecurities about their worthiness and desirability as partners. They may berate themselves for perceived flaws or shortcomings, further fueling their anxiety and self-doubt.

A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that low self-esteem is strongly associated with relationship anxiety, particularly in individuals with a history of past relationship difficulties or trauma.

Relationship anxiety is a pervasive and complex phenomenon that can undermine the health and stability of romantic partnerships. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of relationship anxiety and addressing underlying insecurities and attachment patterns, individuals can cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships. If you or someone you know is struggling with relationship anxiety, remember that help is available, and seeking support is a courageous step towards healing and growth. Remember, you are not alone, and there is hope for overcoming relationship anxiety. If you or someone you know needs support, consider reaching out to a mental health professional or therapist for guidance and assistance.