Unfortunately, it is all too common to stay in an unhealthy or toxic relationship. In fact, most people can relate to over-staying in a relationship with a partner who was not right for them, who displayed major red flags, or treated them poorly. Many admit to staying in a relationship even though their gut repeatedly told them to get out.
So, why do we stay in relationships that bring us pain and unhappiness or continue to engage with partners who are not good for us?
There are many reasons, although fear and insecurity are the biggest two. When contemplating whether to leave a relationship or not, fear often kicks in. Questions surface: Will I ever find love again? What if I end up alone forever? These questions ignite fear. Common fears include being alone, being single and not being able to find a partner who treats you well. These ideas create a spiral of negative and catastrophic thinking which makes it even more difficult to leave an unhealthy relationship.
To learn more about why we stay with partners who are not good for us and steps you can take if you are in a relationship you know you should leave, but find yourself staying in, click here for the full article featured on eHarmony.
Take care,
Rachel Dack, MS, LCPC, NCC
Welcome to Rachel Dack Counseling LLC’s blog, written by Rachel Dack, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (L.C.P.C.) and Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Rachel provides psychotherapy and relationship coaching services to individuals and couples in her Bethesda, Maryland office and over the phone.
Please connect with Rachel by emailing [email protected], calling 301-655-8462 and following Rachel on twitter. Check back for more great resources, relationship advice and mental health tips!
