Betrayal is probably the worst thing that can happen to a relationship. For me, cheating is an absolute deal-breaker. It’s a painful and brutal attack of the trust in a relationship.
But, guess what? So is lying, manipulating or avoiding communication.
Imagine being in a faithful relationship that looks perfect and harmonious on the outside, but shelters lies, hate, ignorance, and resentment on the inside.
Doesn’t look so bright now, is it?
There are plenty of other unfunctional parts of a relationship that can point to a potential break-up. And that doesn’t necessarily include cheating.
So, here are 8 acts of betrayal that are much more hurtful and cruel than cheating:
1. LYING TO YOUR PARTNER
A white, innocent lie every once in a while, can truly help a person in need, but if this eventually turns into an everyday routine, you can be sure that your relationship has started hitting rock bottom.
The simple fact that you would rather hide something and go behind your partner’s back instead of facing them head on, means that there is a major trust issue between you two.
2. BEING ABSENT WHILE AVOIDING ANY KIND OF AFFECTION
A lack of affection, as well as the avoidance of affection, are clear indicators that the spark that once set you on fire is now gone.
If you catch yourself feeling indifferent and absent around your partner, it is maybe the time to finally find the courage and talk to them.
3. HOLDING ON TO QUIET RESENTMENT
There’s nothing more harmful than keeping an unaddressed anger inside of you. Holding on to quiet resentment instead of settling things with your partner is like drinking poison.
The worst part is, anger is something that slowly builds up inside of you until one day you’re no longer capable of holding it in. And that’s when all hell breaks loose.
4. LACK OF PROPER COMMUNICATION
By maintaining a healthy communication, I certainly don’t mean texting 10 times a day, but talking to each other about all the meaningful and significant things in life.
If you can’t meet each other halfway and work through your issues, the relationship is doomed. Communication is the most important part of a healthy relationship. It is the key to living a happy and serene life.
5. CONSTANT BICKERING ABOUT MEANINGLESS ISSUES
You cannot possibly be in a long-term relationship and not bicker from time to time. It’s a natural part of our lives.
However, when innocent bickering about washing the dishes turns into an irritating and irrational fighting, it’s time for you to take measures.
6. STAYING IN THE RELATIONSHIP OUT OF FEAR OF BEING ALONE
The worst thing you can do to yourself and your partner is staying in the relationship out of simple convenience.
Whether it’s because of the fear of ending up alone, or the fear of disappointing your parents or out of plain indifference, staying in a relationship when there’s nothing in it for you is foolish
And you know what they say… “No reason to stay is a good reason to go”.
7. MANIPULATION
Is extremely tricky because it is often so subtle that you become unaware that you’re being manipulated.
Until it’s too late and there’s no return…
8. ACTING OVERLY ATTACHED AND JEALOUS
Not being able to control your emotions and acting jealous is a behavior that can truly harm the relationship.
Especially when the same jealousy is not triggered by a real-life situation, but rather exists in a form of a haunting paranoia in the mind of the partner.
Image: Diego Epstein
