By: Monica, 17
Teen To Teen is a series of blogs written by teen authors for teens on topics that matter most to them. Please Note: “Teen to Teen” should be considered peer to peer advice and support. It is not given in place of professional consult or care.
In a healthy relationship, you and your friend or significant other should love, protect, and take care of each other.
However, sometimes the people we love have the ability to hurt us the most. It can be scary to feel manipulated or disrespected by someone who is supposed to care for you and be your support system.
If you don’t feel valued or respected by someone close to you, it’s possible that you might be in a toxic relationship.
Some signs that your relationship may be toxic include:
You find yourself becoming someone you don’t like when you’re around them.
If you feel you have to adjust your personality or behavior when you’re around someone in order for them to be pleased with you, that relationship is not one that encourages you to be your best self.
Someone who truly cares about your wellbeing will treasure your strengths, quirks, and personality without wanting you to behave differently around them. A healthy relationship is one where you are not just allowed, but motivated to be your true and best self.
You are always the one apologizing.
Every relationship encounters arguments, but chances are that you are not always the one in the wrong. If you are always the person who has to back down or apologize, the other person is taking advantage of you.
Someone who loves you should be able to admit when they are wrong and take responsibility for their actions, rather than forcing you to feel like you are always at fault.
They make you feel guilty or inferior.
If someone you love mocks you or makes you feel guilty, uncomfortable, or unloved, they are not someone you should trust with your whole heart. A person who truly loves you listens to you and prioritizes your needs, rather than making it all about them. If you are afraid of how someone makes you feel, don’t waste your time trying to please them.
You have no obligation to anyone that makes you suffer abuse, whether it be physical or emotional. You deserve to be cherished. If someone stops treating you with love and refuses to acknowledge and change their behavior, it is in your best interest to distance yourself from that person.
Even if you have suffered at the hands of someone who should have been there for you, there are amazing people out there in your future who will treasure the person you are without reserve. Never be afraid to let go of a bad relationship and begin to seek out those people who want to see you do your best.
You have the power to shape the direction of your life, and Birthright is here to support and encourage you.
If you feel you may be in a toxic relationship, want to find out more about their services, or stressed by the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy, call or text Birthright at 636.724.1200.
