The late great comedian Rodney Dangerfield’s tagline was, “I get no respect!” In a notorious quote Rodney said, “With my wife, I don’t get any respect. I made a toast on her birthday to, ‘the best woman a man ever had.’ The waiter joined me.”
Funny quips about a spouse’s disrespect are hilarious on the comedy circuit but, when it occurs within a marriage it’s no longer a laughing matter.
Without question, disrespect in a marriage can be a significant problem and can lead to the eventual destruction of the marriage.
Respect – What Is It?
Respect involves honoring and putting the other person’s feelings and needs into consideration. It also involves taking into account the thoughts, behaviors, and goals of the other person. On the other hand, disrespect is the exact opposite of respect.
Disrespect In Marriage
Disrespect in a marriage can occur in many forms. Some of the signs of lack of respect in a relationship or you’re disrespecting your spouse can be identified in the following ways.
1. Disloyalty
One of the most significant signs of disrespect in any relationship is disloyalty. What’s even worse is when the spouse who’s been cheated on begins to make excuses for the partner. It not only indicates the spouse’s low self-esteem, but it also communicates you don’t believe you deserve better.
2. Lack of Spousal Support
An essential part of a relationship is giving support to each other. Lack of support is a significant indicator of disrespect. When you always feel alone, neglected, or deprived of spousal support, it’s a clear sign you’re being disrespected in your marriage.
3. Constant Nagging, Criticism, and Bickering
Disrespect allows couples to stop admiring one another and begin to criticize or nag each other. Constant criticism and bickering fuel attacks resulting in endless conflicts.
4. Lying or Withholding Vital Information from your Spouse
A big sign of disrespect in a marriage occurs when vital information is kept from a partner. More so, another red flag is when your opinion is ignored. Your input is disregarded in issues concerning both parties. This can be a sign your spouse is not only disrespectful but abusive.
5. Threats to Leave the Relationship
This is a form of disrespect that may also involve blackmail and manipulation. It’s often used to get a partner to do one’s bidding with the hope of avoiding a separation or divorce.
6. Verbal and Physical Abuse
A disrespectful spouse often abuses a partner with little or no provocation. Sometimes, verbal abuse may also be in the absence of a partner. Often, verbal abuse goes hand in hand with other forms of disrespect, including physical abuse.
It can be painful to go through verbal abuse from a spouse, and this remains the most vocal sign of disrespect from a partner.
How to Deal with a Disrespectful Spouse
1. Communicate
If you see any of the signs of disrespect in your husband or wife, communication is the first step to remedying the situation. Talk about the state of your marriage and how you’re treated. Let your spouse know the flaws you think are affecting the relationship and your views on how it can be tackled.
2. Respect Yourself
Remember, you’re a person deserving of love, affection, and respect. Work on the boundaries you wish to set to improve your marital life. It’s important to respect yourself; otherwise, you can’t expect others to respect you, including your spouse.
3. Talk to a Counselor
The problems in a marriage may sometimes require professional help. It’s also an excellent way to improve communication in a relationship. If your spouse refuses to seek professional advice, going alone to therapy can also help you gain helpful insights on how to make things better.
Finally, everyone deserves respect. If you’re experiencing any of the signs of disrespect in a marriage, it’s time to talk to your partner. The power to change things and find happiness lies within you.
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