Are on again off again relationships unhealthy?

[guitar]

[jewel]

''Are on-again, off-again relationships unhealthy?" - that's a question that's as complex as relationships themselves. They're all over each other, the next they're done, and then, surprise, they're back together. It's like a rollercoaster, except with more texting.

In general, these relationships can be pretty unhealthy, and here's why:

Emotional Instability: It's like being stuck in a loop of highs and lows.

Avoiding Issues: Often, these cycles happen because issues aren't resolved. They break up, miss each other, get back together, but the problem?

Patterns of Toxic Behavior: Sometimes these relationships can foster toxic behaviors like manipulation or jealousy. It becomes a cycle of breaking up over conflicts, then reuniting without addressing the root causes.

Stunting Personal Growth: Constantly focusing on the drama of the relationship can keep both people from growing or addressing their own needs and goals.

However, to play devil's advocate, not all on-again, off-again relationships are doomed. Sometimes, couples genuinely grow and change, solving the issues that caused the breakups. But let's be real, that’s more the exception than the rule.

What to Do If You're in One:

Reflect on the Relationship: Ask yourself, why do you keep breaking up and getting back together?

Communication is Key: Talk about the issues openly.

Seek Outside Perspective: Sometimes talking to friends, family, or a counselor can give you clarity.

Set Boundaries and Goals: What do you want from this relationship? Are those goals achievable with your current dynamic?

Know When to Walk Away: Sometimes the healthiest choice is to end the cycle for good.

At the end, love shouldn't feel like a never-ending soap opera, right?

[bobalife]

There’s two different lenses looking at it being unhealthy cycle on unresolving issues and breaking up so easily, then coming back and it doesn’t work. But another side is that they love each other so much that they keep coming back to fight for each other and wanting to make it work. I’ve seen both results.

[JacobJordan]

That question literally answers itself. Let's rephrase it so it makes a bit more sense though. Are relationships that constantly start, stop, restart, restop healthy? Or in longer format... are relationships that constantly stop and start without ever achieving any level of growth or communication or building towards 1 future healthy? Same question in 3 different formats all 3 contain the exact same answer.

[lightbulb27]

yes but it's exercise... just exercising your soul/spirit/emotions. if they haven't changed, then hasn't been enough challenge to discover the lessons.

at some point... it's just not worth it and take on "easier", but still learn the lessons.

it's not easy to get a PhD in being a human being...

[OlderAndWiser]

Two people who refuse to learn from their mistakes, locked in a repetition compulsion. . . sounds pretty unhealthy to me.

[Paris13]

Yes. They Can Be Even Toxic. xxoo

[RavenDarkheart]

I don’t see how they could be healthy. If you break up with someone would it not be for a reason? Why let them back in?

[boggboss]

Yeah they have fundamental problems that don't get fixed

[Shiningstat]

I was in one many years ago and looking back and reflecting on it. It was unhealthy even though I could t let go at the time and felt emotionally trapped I’m glad I walked away from it. So yes, unstable relationships can be very unhealthy it affects your feelings, health, thinking whilst there is someone out there who is more compatible with you.

[Screenwriter]

Sounds like they'd be stressful too. Who wants to live like that? I like consistency and normalcy.

[Anonymous]

I would say so, seems like those couples are having issues with conflict resolutions if they just choose to break up over trying to find a solution to an issue. But then again, it depends on WHY they are on again off again

[rosemilk]

yes and i don't see the point. toxic. either commit or don't

[Squatting_Slav]

They don't have to be, personally I've just seen them as opportunities to gain time for myself and maintine somehting casual while seeing other women and enjoying life with no drama

[Amara_09]

Depends on what the person thinks of it.

[serious]

They are very unhealthy

[Radiate143]

Yes. They are like an addiction.

[sheikalana]

Unhealthy. Toxic. Unstable.

[Phoenix98]

Short answer yes.

[linka_pat307]

Definitely unhealthy

[boobliker]

I would say yes but it is the norm

[KrakenAttackin]

Pure toxicity.

[Roudyrebel8]

Very unhealthy

[TenderFantasy]

Yes!

[Anonymous]

Generally speaking, yes they are.

[dudeinohio]

Absolutely

[jahaims]

Duh.

[Crankor]

Yes they are

[Anonymous]

Not usually.

[Kingofkings1992]

Obviously.