No one ignores red flags on purpose.

Most of us notice them — we just don’t trust ourselves enough to name them when they appear.

We’ve been taught to be patient.
To be understanding.
To not “rock the boat.”
To not be too emotional.
To not be the problem.

So when something feels off, we don’t immediately call it what it is.
We comply.
We soften.
We wait.

And often, we stay longer than we should.

For some women, the pursuit of partners who resemble their fathers can be an unconscious attempt to gain their father's approval or replicate that relationship dynamic. This desire to connect with the father figure can lead to the acceptance of unhealthy traits in a partner as they may unconsciously associate them with love and validation.

With all the hype from the new motion picture movie, “It End With Us” it brings unhealthy relationships back into people’s minds. For those who have experienced this firsthand whether to themselves or a loved one, it has certainly never left their mind. I thought with this topic being discussed due to people’s reactions to Blake Lively and the movie crew it would be a good time to talk about how to help someone you know is in an unhealthy relationship. Supporting a friend in an unhealthy relationship can be challenging, but your concern and care can make a significant difference.