Let’s look at some problematic norms that make it harder to have a healthy, fulfilling relationship.
Why Do We Normalize Certain Relationship Behaviors?
Even in more egalitarian relationships, women frequently do far more than their fair share of household duties.
LeoPatrizi / Getty IMages
Research suggests that women do three-quarters of the world’s unpaid work.
This unpaid and often unacknowledged domestic label can significantly impact mental well-being and quality of life.
The behaviors and attitudes you observe during your formative years help shape your expectations and assumptions as an adult.
The media also tends to show the best and worst of relationships.
They only offer us a narrow view of a relationship in that moment of time.
They dont show the day-to-day issues that couples endure.
Because these attitudes are so pervasive and normalized, they are also easily internalized and seen as something desirable.
People often feel pressured to conform to a certain role, even if it doesn’t make them comfortable.
The following are just a few of the common relationship stereotypes that society normalizes.
This can also contribute to mental health issues, relationship problems, and social exclusion.
“It can also cause some LGBTQIA+ individuals to feel like they have to fit the norm.
On-and-off relationships are often mythologized in popular culture.
In fact, such relationships are often portrayed as deep, intense emotional connections.
However,such relationships can become toxicif your needs are unmet.
That doesn’t mean thattaking a break in a relationshipis necessarily unhealthy.
Basulto suggests that taking a break to assess what you each need can be beneficial in some cases.
This stereotype confusesjealousyfor interest, control for commitment, andmanipulationfor love.
Controlling behaviors can also put an individual at risk of developing anxiety and depression,” Basulto says.
The reality is that healthy relationships are built on trust,interdependence, and empowerment.
This applies not only to children but to their partners as well.
And because of this, women are often tasked with doing all of the domestic andemotional laborin a relationship.
This unfair stereotype unfairly burdens women while undervaluing men’s ability to participate equally as caretakers.
Dr. Suwinyattichaiporn notes that this stereotype can also lead to feelings oflow self-esteem.
All this has a negative effect on couples.
Suggesting that desire is dictated by biological sex is an oversimplification of human sexuality.
Couples need to work with the natural ebb-and-flow of life and what works for them and their relationship.
Relationships are like recipes, and not all recipes are the same.
Each person in a relationship brings their own unique strengths and abilities.
Couples need to work with the natural ebb-and-flow of life and what works for them and their relationship.
Each person’s relationship is unique, and rebuilding trust after such a breach of trust is not easy.
In some cases, it may not be possible.
Media depictions often suggest that women, particularly women of color, should take back their unfaithful partners.
This can contribute to damaging stereotypes that undermine people’s autonomy when making these highly personal decisions.
It is often depicted as essential to a healthy, intimate relationship.
While this works well for many couples, that doesn’t mean it is right for everyone.
Dr. Suwinyattichaiporn notes that this stereotype can lead to feelings of shame and guilt.
The key to success is to focus on mutual consent, open communication, and honesty.
What works in someone else’s situation may not work in yours.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to building a healthy relationship.
No one is perfect, and mistakes happen to even the strongest couples.
It is important to remember, however, that no one should accept abusive behavior.
For example, look for other ways to bring excitement instead of engaging in an on-and-off relationship.
By working with a therapist, you might learn to betterrecognize unhealthy patterns.
“The good thing is we dont have to be stuck in toxic relationship patterns.
We can choose to write a new story that meets our needs and desires,” Basulto says.
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