Do you have the persistent feeling that you’ve been unfairly treated by your partner?
This bitter feeling, allowed to fester, is called resentment. If it exists in your relationship, it can ultimately destroy your connection. Fortunately, you can prevent this outcome. You just have to recognize resentment and commit to resolving it.
How Resentment Can Impact Your Relationship
To get a real sense of how your relationship is being affected, pin down where the resentment lies.
Are you resentful? If so, bitterness toward your partner may result in angry outbursts, a lack of empathy for your loved one, or emotional withdrawal. Communication then becomes strained.
Is your partner resentful toward you? If so, you may feel anxious or confused about your relationship. You may find that you become defensive or irritated in turn, shutting down productive communication.
Signs You Might Need to Work Through Some Resentment
Though your experience is your own, common signs that you may hold resentment toward your partner are:
- You are increasingly irritated by your partner
- Passive aggression or sarcasm are part of your interactions
- You feel like you want to escape the relationship
- Your feelings of compassion and empathy are waning
- You have little interest in sex or intimacy
- Disappointment and disgust are often associated with your mate
- You complain to others about your partner often
What You Can Do to Resolve Resentment
Once you determine why resentment exists, you and your partner can work on ways to deal with it. Some ideas include:
- Addressing problems as they happen
- Cultivating healthier communication
- Discussing your own roles in the negativity
- Sharing ideas for mutual compromise
Interested in learning more about how to deal with resentment in your relationship? Please read more here: Ways to Deal with Resentment in a Relationship
- Learn Action Steps You Can Take Today to Improve Your Marriage
- Stop the Fighting
- Reconnect With Your Spouse
