Being in a relationship with someone withborderline personality disorder (BPD)can be overwhelming and frustrating.
Nevertheless, many people have strong relationships with someone who has BPD.
BPD Features and Cheating
Some people believe BPD is associated with infidelity.
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Research has yet to show a direct connection between BPD and an increased likelihood of cheating.
BPD affects everyone differently, however; not all people with BPD cheat.
But havingunstable personal relationshipsis a hallmark symptom of this condition.
As such, they are more likely to assume that their partners will cause them pain in some way.
They also have difficulty considering “benign explanations” of their partners behavior.
Research also shows that people with BPD have difficulty maintaining cooperation with a partner.
Their lack of trust is triggered when they feel rejected by another person or when their expectations are disappointed.
If you or your loved one is struggling withsymptoms of BPD, contact amental health provider or therapist.
In turn, this negatively affects their relationships.
In this sense, BPD can worsen relationship issues.
What to Do When Your Partner Has BPD
BPD can strain a relationship for both people involved.
The first step is encouraging your partner to seek help, if they have not yet done so.
Psychotherapyparticularlydialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is believed to be the most effective treatment for BPD.
Find out which option is the best for you.
Through your sessions, you’ll learn essentialcommunication skillsthat can help you through tough times and strengthen your relationship.
A Word From Verywell
People with borderline personality disorder fear abandonment and suffer from insecurity.
As a result, their relationships are often marked by difficulty.
However, help is available.
Psychotherapyparticularly, dialectical behavior therapycan help your partner develop coping strategies.
Encourage your partner to seek treatment for BPD if they have not done so already.
- People who have BPD tend to have turbulent, difficult relationships.
Borderline personality disorder symptoms and romantic relationships in adolescent girls.J Abnorm Child Psychol.
