Relationships are built on trust, respect, and mutual understanding. But sometimes, one partner may begin to display behaviors that, if unchecked, can lead to a power imbalance and feelings of resentment. When you allow certain behaviors to persist without addressing them, it sends a message that you’re willing to tolerate mistreatment. Over time, this can cause your partner to take advantage of you, leading to a toxic dynamic where your needs and feelings are consistently overlooked.
It’s essential to recognize when these problematic behaviors arise, address them early, and establish boundaries to maintain a healthy and respectful relationship. Here are 9 key behaviors you should never let slide if you want to avoid being walked all over by your partner.
1. Dismissing Your Feelings
When your partner routinely dismisses your emotions or concerns, it can feel as though your feelings don’t matter. Maybe you bring up an issue that’s been bothering you, and instead of listening, they brush it off or tell you that you’re “overreacting.” This kind of response is harmful because it invalidates your emotions, making you feel small or insignificant.
Over time, if you don’t speak up or assert yourself, your partner may begin to assume that it’s okay to ignore your feelings. A healthy relationship requires both partners to feel heard and understood. If your partner constantly dismisses your concerns, it’s crucial to address it directly and set the expectation that your feelings deserve respect.
2. Constant Criticism
Criticism is normal in relationships, but there’s a difference between constructive feedback and constant negative remarks. If your partner is always criticizing your choices, appearance, or behavior, it can chip away at your self-esteem. What might seem like minor comments in the beginning can evolve into a pattern of belittlement that leaves you feeling insecure or inadequate.
If this behavior continues unchecked, you may begin to question your worth and rely on your partner’s approval for validation. This can create an unhealthy power dynamic where your partner holds the upper hand. The key here is to recognize when criticism crosses the line and speak up. Let your partner know that constant negative remarks are unacceptable and set boundaries around how you expect to be treated.
3. Taking You for Granted
It’s easy to fall into a routine in long-term relationships, but if your partner starts taking you for granted—expecting you to do things for them without appreciation or reciprocation—it’s a sign that the relationship is becoming unbalanced. Whether it’s always assuming you’ll cook, clean, or handle specific responsibilities, this behavior shows a lack of gratitude and respect for your contributions.
If you let this behavior slide, your partner may begin to see you as a convenience rather than an equal. It’s important to communicate your needs and remind your partner that relationships require mutual effort and appreciation. Don’t be afraid to assert that you deserve to be valued and respected for the things you do.
4. Not Prioritizing Your Needs
In a healthy relationship, both partners should feel that their needs are important. However, if your partner consistently prioritizes their wants over yours—whether it’s social plans, work, or personal interests—it can lead to feelings of neglect and resentment.
You deserve a partner who cares about your happiness and well-being as much as their own. If you allow your needs to be sidelined without speaking up, it reinforces the idea that your desires don’t matter. Make sure to communicate your expectations and let your partner know that your needs deserve to be taken seriously.
5. Lack of Accountability
Everyone makes mistakes, but when your partner refuses to take responsibility for their actions, it’s a major red flag. Whether they’re blaming you for their mistakes, making excuses, or denying wrongdoing altogether, a lack of accountability can damage trust and breed resentment.
If you let this behavior go unchecked, it sets a dangerous precedent that your partner can do as they please without facing consequences. To maintain mutual respect in the relationship, it’s essential to hold your partner accountable for their actions. Insist on open communication and expect them to own up to their mistakes.
6. Disregarding Boundaries
Boundaries are crucial for maintaining respect in any relationship. If your partner repeatedly crosses your boundaries—whether they’re emotional, physical, or personal—it shows a lack of respect for your autonomy. Maybe they disregard your need for personal space, pressure you into doing things you’re uncomfortable with, or invade your privacy.
Allowing boundary violations to go unchallenged sends the message that your limits are negotiable, and over time, your partner may begin to feel entitled to control different aspects of your life. Establish clear boundaries from the start and don’t be afraid to reinforce them if your partner oversteps. A respectful partner will understand and honor your limits.
7. Stonewalling or Avoiding Conflict
Conflict is inevitable in any relationship, but how it’s handled can make or break the dynamic between you and your partner. If your partner shuts down, avoids conversations, or gives you the silent treatment when issues arise, they are stonewalling—an emotionally manipulative behavior designed to avoid accountability and control the situation.
If you allow stonewalling to continue, it can create a toxic pattern where problems are never resolved, and your voice is silenced. Encourage open communication and address the issue head-on. Let your partner know that avoiding conflict is not a healthy or acceptable way to deal with problems. Both of you should feel comfortable discussing issues openly without fear of being ignored.
8. Manipulation and Gaslighting
Manipulation can come in many forms, but one of the most dangerous is gaslighting—a tactic where your partner makes you doubt your own reality, feelings, or perceptions. They might say things like, “You’re imagining things,” or “That never happened,” making you question your memory or sanity.
If you allow manipulation to persist, your partner will gain control over your thoughts and emotions, leaving you feeling confused and powerless. It’s critical to recognize the signs of manipulation early and stand firm in your perception of reality. Don’t be afraid to seek outside support or remove yourself from the situation if necessary. A healthy relationship is built on trust, not control.
9. Threatening to Leave
If your partner frequently threatens to leave the relationship during arguments or disagreements, it’s a form of emotional blackmail. They use the fear of abandonment to manipulate you into compliance, creating an unhealthy power dynamic where you feel you must constantly walk on eggshells to keep the relationship intact.
Allowing this behavior to go unaddressed gives your partner the upper hand, as they know they can use the threat of leaving to control your actions. It’s important to communicate that this kind of manipulation is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. A relationship should be based on mutual respect and security, not fear or manipulation.
Conclusion: Standing Your Ground
At the core of every healthy relationship is respect—respect for each other’s feelings, boundaries, and autonomy. If you let any of these 9 behaviors slide, you risk allowing your partner to undermine that respect and walk all over you. It’s essential to stand your ground, communicate openly, and set clear boundaries from the start.
Remember, a relationship is a partnership between two equals. Both partners deserve to feel valued, heard, and respected. By addressing these behaviors early and asserting your needs, you can ensure that your relationship remains healthy, balanced, and fulfilling.
