In order to be in a healthy relationship, both partners should be established in their own self-love. Meaning insecurities should be set aside even as hard as it is. Neither partner deserves the others insecurities to be projected onto them, whether it stems from past relationships or just from themselves. Starting a new relationship should also be a fresh start for both partners in the relationship. Once the relationship no longer serves your needs or satisfies you, it is a sign to let go and grow from the experience.

Good or bad, the experience will help you grow to be a better girlfriend or boyfriend. Love is all about taking risks and experiencing new things with someone else, value yourself enough to make sure it’s the right person, and if it isn’t make yourself the person and continue to be happy.

What to watch out for

After talking about all the good in a relationship, there is always going to be the bad side of it all.

“1 in 3 young people will be in an abusive or unhealthy relationship. 33% of adolescents in America are victim to sexual, physical, verbal, or emotional dating abuse.” – dosomething.org

Some signs of a toxic partner/relationship would consider love-bombing, control, disrespect, dependence, and hostility. These signs are also shown if a partner is a narcissist. There are multiple types of narcissism which include overt, covert, antagonistic, communal, malignant.

Narcissist are difficult partners to be in a relationship especially because they are selfish individuals. They have a constant desire of praise and recognition and are majorly self focused. A good partner should be somewhat sure of themselves which also feeds into their self love and value.

Narcissist are known for being a very manipulative partners, mostly love-bombing. Love bombing is defined as the action or practice of lavishing someone with attention or affection, especially in order to influence or manipulate them. If someone’s way of apologizing after an argument or after they’ve caused emotional distress is gift-giving and spoiling their partner with gifts this is a huge red flag and is not healthy. No one deserves to go through a toxic relationship in order to “learn a lesson, ” anyone will do just fine without this experience.