Say No To Bad Loveship

No one wants to be part of an unhealthy relationship . The bad news is that it happens - some good relationships go south , some people seem to move from one hurtful relationship to another .
The good news is there are ways to avoid falling into the usual traps that burden , threaten and ultimately break relationships . 

Be on the guard
Tread with caution . Look back on your previous relationships and what made them crumble . Make a conscious effort to learn from your past mistakes .

Also watch out for red flags – any indication that something is not quite right . Be particularly wary of signs of abuse , violence or manipulation .

Better yet , come up your own relationship deal breakers . Think of the traits or habits that , by your personal standards , are unacceptable in a partner . And when one of the non-negotiables on your list becomes apparent , take it as your cue to bow out of the relationship . 

Be your own person
Do not lose yourself in a relationship . Some couples tend to think only in terms of "we" and forget "I" . Relationships should be anchored on the idea of two persons working as a team . That means each individual member must have a voice , get a say in making decisions . Mutual respect needs to exist . So always assert yourself .

Set-ups where one is submissive and the other domineering are bound to fail . Control often translates to abuse . And somebody will end up feeling powerless , dismissed or fearfully dependent .

Talk it out
Keep the lines of communication open . Converse constantly . Discuss even the smallest of issues , so you can nip them in the bud .

If you can sense that something is eating into the relationship , share your sentiments with your partner . Letting him or her know how you feel could help pinpoint the problem .

For serious troubles, it's best to have your talk when both parties are calm and receptive . Discussing matters when tempers are running high will do more damage than good .

During the conversations , be honest , clear and open . Hear each other out and find a middle ground . You do not have to be on the same side . Agreeing to disagree is a form of compromise in itself .

Enjoy the company
Couples should be able to have a good time together , may it be fun and wild , or relaxing and comforting . If boredom seems to strike more often than normal or the chemistry is fading , this might be a sign that something is amiss . Find a way to identify and address the situation . 

Work it out
Every relationship hits a snag . But not all survive .

If your find yourselves in a rough patch , do not give up . If the relationship is worth saving , fight for it . Resolve your issues .

But if the bad undoubtedly outweighs the good , then the relationship is unhealthy . There's no need to stick it out any longer .

There are no hard-and-fast rules to avoiding bad relationships . But it always helps to be vigilant . Be on the lookout for any red flags . Make sure there is mutual respect and trust . Communicate regularly , clearly and honestly .
Know when to let go and when course-correcting is an option .