As you will discover, consistently yielding to others can have detrimental effects, not only on yourself but also on the long-term health of your relationship. In such situations, the most effective approach to address an overpowering or manipulative partner is by acquiring the skills to assert yourself within the relationship.
Before delving into that, it's important to examine the indicators of a lack of self-assertion in your relationship.
At times, individuals may lack objective self-awareness. You could believe you're assertive in your relationship, but if you find yourself engaging in any of these behaviors, it's an indication that you're not truly standing up for yourself.
# You consistently acquiesce Your partner consistently takes the lead in the relationship, dictating your actions and their timing, and you seldom, if ever, decline, regardless of your personal desires. In fact, if your partner were to request something unlawful, you might even comply, as the concept of saying no seems to have vanished from your vocabulary.
# You are a dedicated people-pleaser While bringing joy to others is a positive trait, there comes a point when you transition from genuinely wanting to make others happy to becoming a complete pushover. If you permit your partner to take advantage of your desire to please them, it's a sign that you're not asserting yourself in the relationship.
# You endure being yelled at Perhaps your partner subjects you to verbal, emotional, mental, or even physical mistreatment, accompanied by yelling, and you remain silent, enduring the tirade without protest. Even when there's no explicit abuse, shouting and screaming are not healthy behaviors, and failing to address them indicates an issue.
# You avoid confrontation When your partner disrespects you, your reflex is to keep your lips sealed. You refrain from defending yourself or responding to their disrespect, opting to wait until the turmoil subsides before resuming communication.
# You neglect to establish boundaries In a healthy relationship, both partners establish and communicate their boundaries, defining the limits that should not be crossed. Failing to do so implies a lack of self-assertion in your relationship.
# You fear conflict Although few people genuinely relish conflict, disliking it and fearing it to the point of avoidance are different. Someone who stands up for themselves doesn't shy away from conflict because they hold self-respect in high regard.
# You dread rejection Similar to the aversion to conflict, most people are averse to rejection. However, those who assert themselves in a relationship are untroubled by rejection, recognizing that it is not a reflection of their worth but a result of the other person's choices.
# You consistently yield During disagreements with your partner, you consistently capitulate to their wishes. This may be a strategy to bring the argument to an end or because you believe that the consequences of not complying would be unbearable. In either case, you seldom get what you desire, always deferring to your partner's preferences.