8 traits of people who stay in unhappy relationships, says a psychologist

If you’ve ever been in an unhappy relationship, you know the feeling of discontent, dissatisfaction, and maybe even despair.

Why do some folks stick around in these situations which seem clearly unfulfilling? What traits do they have in common?

As a psychologist, I’ve noticed patterns. I’ve seen eight key traits among individuals who persist in unhappy relationships. And let me tell you, it’s not as straightforward as you might think.

These traits aren’t necessarily bad or wrong. They’re just common among those who stay in relationships that aren’t entirely joyous.

In this article, we’ll explore each trait in detail.

My hope is that this understanding could help navigate your own relationships better.

1) Fear of being alone

In my practice, I’ve noticed that a dominant trait amongst people who stay in unhappy relationships is a deep-seated fear of being alone.

This fear, often rooted in insecurity or past traumas, can be overwhelming.

It makes people cling to a relationship that’s clearly not fulfilling their needs, simply because they dread the idea of being single, or feel they won’t be able to cope without a partner.

However, this fear can distort reality and make the person feel like they have no other options.

They might start to view their unhappy relationship as a safer alternative to the perceived loneliness.

Understanding this fear and its origins is crucial. It can be the first step toward reclaiming your happiness and autonomy.

No one should feel trapped in an unhappy relationship due to fear of being alone – there are always ways to seek help and improve your situation.

2) High levels of empathy

Interestingly, empathy, a trait often celebrated for its role in understanding and connecting with others, can sometimes keep people in unhappy relationships.

Those who possess high levels of empathy often have a deep capacity to understand and share the feelings of their partners.

This capacity can sometimes lead them to overlook their own needs and happiness in favor of their partner’s.

They tend to absorb their partner’s emotions, making it difficult for them to draw boundaries.

They might feel responsible for their partner’s feelings and, as a result, find it hard to leave even when they’re unhappy.

While empathy is a beautiful trait that fosters connection and understanding, it’s important to balance it with self-care and personal boundaries.

Learning to prioritize your own emotional well-being is just as crucial as understanding the feelings of others.

3) Low self-esteem

People who stay in unhappy relationships often struggle with low self-esteem. When someone doesn’t value themselves, they may believe they don’t deserve better.

Self-esteem shapes our perception of ourselves and influences our decisions, including those in our relationships.

A person with low self-esteem might believe they’re not worthy of a happy, fulfilling relationship and therefore settle for less.

In reality, everyone deserves respect, love, and happiness.

Working on building self-esteem can open the door to healthier relationships and a happier life.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for example, has been shown to be an effective method for improving self-esteem.

4) A strong sense of loyalty

Staying in an unhappy relationship can sometimes be a sign of a person’s unwavering loyalty.

These individuals are the ones who stick around through thick and thin, always hoping for change and believing in the potential of their partners.

Loyalty is a wonderful quality. It’s about commitment and standing by someone even when things get tough.

But it’s also important to remember that your loyalty should never come at the cost of your own happiness and well-being.

You deserve a relationship that brings you joy, respect, and mutual growth. It’s okay to acknowledge when things aren’t working and seek change.

Loyalty to oneself is just as important as loyalty to a partner.

5) Comfort in familiarity

Even when a relationship is unhappy, it can still offer a sense of familiarity that some find hard to give up.

It’s like your favorite old sweater – it might not look great anymore, but it’s comfortable, and it’s been there for you through a lot.

Breaking up means stepping into the unknown. It means leaving behind shared memories, shared spaces, and shared routines.

It’s human nature to gravitate towards what we know, even when it no longer serves us.

Yet, taking that leap can lead to discovering new aspects of yourself and opening doors to better experiences.

6) The “fixer” mentality

I’ve seen many instances where a person stays in an unhappy relationship because they believe they can “fix” their partner or the issues in the relationship.

This was the case with a client of mine who was an incredibly caring and patient individual.

My client thought that with enough love and patience, their partner’s abusive behaviors would change. They spent years sacrificing their own happiness in the process, always hoping for a change that never came.

It’s important to understand that while we can support our partners, we can’t change them.

Real change comes from within, and it’s not your responsibility to fix someone else.

Everyone deserves a relationship where they feel loved and respected just as they are.

7) Denial of reality

Avoiding the truth can often keep people stuck in unhappy relationships. It’s easier to ignore the red flags, to downplay the hurt, and to make excuses for a partner’s behavior than to face the harsh reality.

This is not a judgment on your character. It’s a survival mechanism we all use at times.

But it’s crucial to remember that denial only prolongs the pain.

Ignoring the problems won’t make them disappear. You deserve better than an unhappy relationship.

And the first step towards that is admitting that there are issues that need addressing. You’re strong enough to face them, and you’re worthy of a relationship that brings you genuine happiness.

8) Prioritizing others over self

The most common trait I’ve seen in those who stay in unhappy relationships is the habit of consistently prioritizing others over themselves.

It’s not selfish to prioritize your own happiness and well-being.

You have every right to make choices that are best for you. You can love others, care for them, but not at the expense of your own happiness and mental health.

You are important. Your feelings are valid. Your happiness matters.

Don’t let anyone or any relationship convince you otherwise. Prioritizing yourself is not just okay, it’s necessary.

Conclusion

Recognizing these traits in oneself is not an easy task—but it’s an important step towards understanding why we might stay in relationships that don’t serve our happiness or growth.

This article is not about judging or blaming. It’s about empowering you with insights and encouraging you to take steps towards healthier, happier relationships.

Your energy is precious. Don’t spend it on a relationship that drains you. Instead, invest it in ones that uplift you, inspire you, and make you feel loved and valued.

And always remember: Your happiness matters. You deserve a relationship that respects and cherishes you for who you are.

Here’s to courage, growth, and finding the love and happiness you deserve!