Overtolerance in Relationships - 5 Signs You May Be Inclined to Put Up With Too Much

Overtolerance in relationships can be a real issue for some people. It may cause an individual to stay in a situation that is emotionally, physically, or spiritually destructive. If her find yourself feeling inferior, incompetent, hurt, or crazy around your partner on a regular basis, it is worth a closer investigation to see if you may be putting up with more than is appropriate or healthy in a relationship. Here are 5 signs that you may have character traits which incline you toward bad relationships and keep you there:

1. You rationalize and minimize your partner's behavior. You may make or think statements like, "Well, at least my partner doesn't ______." While it may be true that there are other individuals or other relationships that are "worse" or more destructive, that doesn't mean that your situation is healthy or desirable.

2. You make excuses for your partner's behavior, and if possible even try to "pick up the slack" and bail him or her out by fulfilling missed responsibilities. You may be the type of person who calls in sick for your partner if he or she is up all night drinking and too hung over the next day to go into work. You may try to complete tasks and honor commitments your partner has made, if possible. You may try to prevent your partner from experiencing consequences whenever possible.

3. You attempt to hide your partner's bad behavior from others. This may be born of a desire to protect your partner's reputation as well as your own. You may feel ashamed for others to know how you are allowing yourself to be treated.

4. You feel as if you cannot live without your partner, and are willing to do anything, or accept anything about him or her, rather than risk losing this person. You may compromise your values, ultimatums may be hollow and non-consequential, and you may even find that you let things that upset you go rather than risk "rocking the boat."

5. You also may feel as if your partner cannot possible go on or function well without you. You may feel as if they will self destruct without you around, and if they do, it is your fault and your responsibility. It may feel more comfortable for you to be in a caretaking role than to experience a relationship as an equal give and take proposition.