Respect Is Everything
Always remember that in a relationship, it takes two people to make things work. If you're starting to question your partner or have some doubts, here are 20 things you should take a closer look at. These will tell you whether or not your partner respects you and if they're even worth fighting for.
1. Dismisses Your Feelings
Being in a healthy relationship means both parties need to feel heard, understood, and accepted. So, if your partner is quick to dismiss your feelings and concerns, it simply means they don't respect you. A true lover will always make sure your needs are being addressed.
2. Ignores Your Schedule
You've got your own life to live and being in a relationship doesn't mean giving up everything to make it work with your partner, it means compromising on schedules so you both get to spend time with each other. If your partner completely ignores what you have going on in your life, they lack respect for you as an individual.
3. Talks About Themselves Too Much
Does your partner always go on and on about their day without asking you about yours? Relationships are a two-way street, and while that encompasses many things, one way to tell if you they disrespect you is if they never ask how you're doing. They might as well be in a relationship with themselves at that point!
4. Oversteps Boundaries
Every relationship has different boundaries set depending on what the two of you are comfortable with. These aren't "guidelines," they're rules meant to be followed and respected. That's why if your partner ever oversteps any of these boundaries, it means they don't listen and don't care about your personal space and needs.
5. Thinks You Belong To Them
You're not property to be owned, and if your partner thinks you are, run. Healthy relationships are all about seeing each other as equals, not someone to control or use. You should both be standing proudly side by side each other.
6. Breaks Promises
If someone can't keep their word, can you really trust them? Being with a partner who breaks promises doesn't just make you question their every move, it also shows a lack of care and respect on their part. Do you really want to be with someone who says things you can't believe?
7. Makes Plans Without You
Whether they make plans for the both of you without asking or they go off and do fun things by themselves, both behaviors show that your partner is putting themselves before you. They don't care if you already have things planned that day or if you're interested, they're only doing what's best for them.
8. Gives You The Cold Shoulder
Communication is the foundation of any strong relationship, but if your partner refuses to express their feelings or listen to yours, giving you the cold shoulder is just about the worst thing they can do to you. Is the person you're supposed to trust most really going to turn away in your moment of need?
9. Puts Themselves First
When you love someone and commit to them in a relationship, your everyday habits have to change from putting yourself first to thinking about them too. Because every decision you make will now affect your significant other! Partners who lack this awareness just aren't mature enough to give you what you need.
10. Refuses To Change Bad Habits
From sleeping in too late to not helping around the house, partners who refuse to change bad habits for the betterment of your relationship need to be tossed aside. These individuals just want it easy and showcase that they dislike change, something crucial in everything good relationship.
11. Doesn't Make Time For You
We know it can get awfully busy as an adult, especially when you're managing your own life and handling multiple things, but that doesn't mean you can't do your best to make time for your partner. If they don't show you that same respect, it's a sign.
12. Lacks Effort
Effort is everything! If you don't show your partner you care and try, what's even the point? If you're with someone who doesn't even try to make you smile, what are you with them for? You can only carry the relationship yourself for so long!
13. Threatens Breakups
Do your fights always end up with your partner threatening a breakup? That's emotional abuse you shouldn't put up with. A healthy couple will always suggest trying to work things out instead of immediately ending things because it'll take work and effort. A true partner will stick with you through the thick and thin.
14. They Flirt With Others
Talk about obvious! If your significant other constantly acts flirtateously around others, it's a sign that they're not committed to you and don't respect your feelings. You should never have to feel concerned about the way they act!
15. Lies To You
It's one thing if they fail to keep their word and promises, it's another if they consistently lie to you about different things. You should never be with someone you have to always be suspicious of - it'll eat you up more than you think you can manage.
16. Calls You Out In Public
If your partner makes fun of you or embarrasses you in front of their friends or in public spaces, you need to leave and quick. This is incredibly disrespectful and doesn't just show their immaturity, but also that they don't think about your feelings at all.
17. They Insult You
Keep in mind that sometimes, insults aren't always direct and obvious. You have to look at the deeper meaning behind the words and tone being used. So if you ever feel like your partner is subtly insulting you or using mean language, make sure you stand up for yourself. You don't deserve to be disrespected by someone you love.
18. Ignores Your Achievements
Whether you got promoted at work or finally finished crocheting that cardigan you've been working so hard on, you should be able to expect acknowledgement from your partner. After all, your most loved one should always support you and be happy for your accomplishments! If they ignore your achievements and don't even bat an eye, find someone who will respect you instead.
19. They Gaslight You
Making you question what's real or not, you should never stay with someone who repeatedly gaslights you to get the most favorable outcome for themselves. It can be very damaging on your mental health and makes it difficult for you to put yourself first when you always should.
20. Acts Like They're Better Than You
Do you really want to be with someone who treats you like a child because they see themselves as better than you? This only leads to disrespectful, condescending behavior that you should never have to put up with. Be with someone who treats you like an equal, not someone who acts all high and mighty.