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Learn DBT Skills In A Group
Weekly sessions are available. Grouport offers therapist-led dialectical behavior therapy skills groups online. The first 12 weeks covers fundamental DBT skills.
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When it comes to relationships, whether romantic, platonic, or otherwise, we all want to find connection, trust, and mutual respect. However, not all relationships are healthy or sustainable, and sometimes, certain signs can indicate that something is off. These warning signs are often referred to as “red flags.” Recognizing them early can help you make better decisions about whether a relationship is worth continuing or if it's time to step away. Here’s a guide to spotting red flags in a relationship and understanding when it might be time to reassess things.
A healthy relationship should make you feel supported, valued, and respected. If someone constantly criticizes you or belittles your thoughts, actions, or appearance, it can erode your self-esteem over time. While constructive criticism is important, there's a difference between offering advice and making you feel inferior. Constant put-downs or sarcastic remarks, especially in front of others, are a huge red flag.
Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship. If your partner regularly accuses you of things without reason or exhibits extreme jealousy, this can indicate insecurity or a lack of trust. Constant surveillance, checking your phone, or questioning your interactions with others are not signs of love, but of control and possessiveness. Relationships thrive on mutual respect and freedom, not constant monitoring.
Boundaries are essential for maintaining personal space and autonomy in a relationship. If your partner disregards your emotional, physical, or mental boundaries, this can lead to unhealthy dynamics. Whether it’s pressuring you to do things you're not comfortable with, ignoring your need for alone time, or violating your privacy, respecting boundaries is crucial. A lack of respect for your limits often means a lack of respect for you as a person.
Gaslighting is a form of emotional manipulation where someone makes you question your own reality, memory, or perceptions. They might tell you that you’re "overreacting," "imagining things," or "too sensitive." This can be incredibly damaging, causing you to doubt your own feelings and sense of self. Manipulation tactics such as guilt-tripping or playing the victim can also create an imbalance in the relationship, leaving you feeling controlled or guilty for things that aren’t your fault.
Communication is key to resolving conflicts, expressing needs, and maintaining intimacy in a relationship. If your partner refuses to communicate or shuts down when issues arise, it can create a toxic cycle of unresolved tension and misunderstanding. Whether it's avoiding serious conversations, giving you the silent treatment, or refusing to listen to your perspective, a lack of communication is a huge red flag.
How someone treats people outside of the relationship can reveal a lot about their character. If your partner is rude, dismissive, or cruel toward waitstaff, friends, family members, or strangers, this behavior may eventually be directed at you. Pay attention to how they speak about others when they think you're not watching. A lack of empathy or respect for others often signals deeper issues that can later affect you.
A partner who tries to isolate you from your friends, family, or support system is exercising control, and that is never a healthy sign. While it's natural for couples to want to spend time together, it becomes concerning if your partner discourages you from seeing people outside of the relationship or tries to make you feel guilty for spending time with others. Healthy relationships allow both partners to maintain their social lives and support networks.
Relationships involve give-and-take. If your partner refuses to compromise or insists that their way is the only right way, it can cause resentment and prevent growth. Relationships are about mutual respect and understanding, and both people should be willing to meet each other halfway. A partner who refuses to see your point of view or is unwilling to make adjustments for the relationship is not someone who values collaboration and mutual growth.
Addiction, whether to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or anything else, can seriously damage a relationship. Substance abuse often leads to erratic behavior, neglect, dishonesty, and emotional or physical abuse. If your partner refuses to acknowledge their addiction or seeks to deny the problem, it can create a cycle of unhealthy behavior that’s difficult to break. If you’re concerned about your partner’s addictive behaviors, it’s important to seek support, either individually or through couples counseling.
Any form of abuse—whether physical, emotional, or verbal—is never acceptable in a relationship. This includes hitting, slapping, pushing, name-calling, threatening, or manipulating you into fear. Abuse often escalates over time, and it’s crucial to get help immediately if you find yourself in an abusive situation. No one deserves to feel unsafe or threatened, and you should never tolerate abuse of any kind.
While it’s natural to rely on your partner for emotional support, excessive dependence or codependency can be damaging. If your partner looks to you for constant validation, approval, or their happiness, it can create an unhealthy dynamic where you feel responsible for their well-being. A healthy relationship involves two independent individuals who can support each other, not one person acting as the emotional caretaker for the other.
Trust is crucial for a strong relationship. If your partner is regularly dishonest, whether it’s about small things or big issues, it can cause long-term damage to the connection you share. Even white lies can undermine trust, and when dishonesty becomes a pattern, it can be difficult to rebuild the relationship. Transparency and honesty should be the cornerstones of a loving partnership.
Recognizing red flags is just the first step. If you notice these signs in your relationship, it’s important to take a step back and reflect. Trust your instincts and seek support from trusted friends, family members, or a therapist. Sometimes, the healthiest choice may be to walk away from a toxic relationship, even if it feels difficult. Remember, you deserve to be in a relationship where you feel valued, respected, and loved for who you truly are.
If the relationship is still new, you might be able to have an open and honest conversation with your partner about your concerns. However, in cases of serious red flags like abuse or manipulation, it’s vital to prioritize your safety and well-being above all else. Always reach out for professional help if you need guidance in navigating these complex situations.
Red flags in relationships are often subtle at first, but they can signal deeper issues that could affect your emotional and mental well-being. By being aware of these signs, you can protect yourself from harmful dynamics and make better decisions about your relationships. A healthy relationship should uplift, support, and empower you—not leave you feeling drained, insecure, or controlled. Always trust your instincts and never settle for less than what you truly deserve.
Grouport Therapy provides online group therapy, individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, intensive outpatient program, teen therapy, and a DBT-Self Guided Program. All our sessions are therapist-led, held virtually, and meet over video chat at the same time each week. All our sessions are therapist-led and are held virtually and meet over video chat at the same time each week. For group therapy, we have groups on many topics including Dialectical Behavior Therapy "DBT", Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Anxiety & Depression, Trauma & PTSD, Anger Management, OCD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Relationship Issues, Divorce, Narcissistic Abuse, Self-Compassion, Grief & Loss, Parenting, Substance Abuse, Supporting A Loved one with BPD, among others. Each group is led by a licensed therapist that typically has over a decade of experience treating a wide range of specialties, and the group meets at the same time each week for an hour with the same members and therapist.
As reported by our members, 70% experienced significant progress within 8 weeks, including reduced anxiety & depression symptoms.
Our care coordinators can help assist you to craft the perfect treatment plan for you that's tailored to your needs. We provide speedy matches to quality care, and also provide the flexibility to switch your therapist or group at anytime ensuring that you're always meeting with the right therapist fit at a time that's convenient for your schedule. Whatever type of therapy you’re seeking, Grouport offers a range of options to suit your schedule and preferences. Explore our programs to find the support you need. If you need help finding the right type of therapy, schedule a free call with a care coordinator here.
We offer online group therapy sessions for relationship challenges to help participants learn to improve interpersonal effectiveness.
Space is limited, so reserve your seat today.
