How to Deal With a Condescending Partner

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Dealing with a romantic partner who is condescending can be difficult, and painful. When someone is condescending, they talk down to you and act

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How Do I Know If My Partner Is Being Condescending Towards Me?

Sarcasm, eye-rolling, and even “playful” behaviors taken too far and at someone else's expense are also condescending actions.

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The blame game often starts with triggers that are self-reflexive. In other words, we end up projecting onto our partner the very things we are insecure about ourselves

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Impact Romantic Relationships

A person who experiences this type of behavior from their romantic partner suffers mentally and emotionally.

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Poor Communication

But if you're going to be blamed for wanting change, you're unlikely to do that. Open communication is a key component of a healthy long term relationship,2 and the blame cycle can prevent it from happening.

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Emotional Distancing

The longer the blame cycle continues for, the harder it may be for someone who has distanced themself to feel close to their partner(s) again.

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Threats and Coerciveness

Someone who threatens to hurt themselves should seek counseling from a mental healthcare professional.

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Withdrawal and Withholding

Although you and your partner may be dealing with their condescending behavior, you still have to take care of yourself

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Isolation

A person who wants to control you might try to cut off your contact with friends and family, especially if any of your loved ones express a dislike or distrust of the emotionally manipulative person.7

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Your partner might try to alienate you from your support system, causing you to doubt your decision to move on from the relationship.

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