#ActuallyAutistic: What Are Signs of Disrespect in a Relationship?

Note To Nerds,

I had a lot of trouble in my 20s understanding certain social cues. (I wasn’t diagnosed as having autism until earlier this year.) I would give people the benefit of the doubt or lean on “my feelings” to justify the actions of others. It didn’t serve me, and if you’re still being served a side of disrespect, here are some signs to look for, and as always feel free to reach out on the Gram if you have any questions.

❤️ Jen

Talk Nerdy To Me®’s @staffwriter 

There are many ways to show that you love someone and want them to feel respected.  Some of the most important ways are using kind words, listening intently, and being non-judgmental. This article will outline some signs of disrespect in relationships. It’s not exhaustive but it should be a good starting point for understanding what might be going on if you’re feeling disrespected.

When Someone Doesn’t Let You Make Any Choices

When someone doesn’t let you make any choices, it’s a sign that they don’t respect your opinion or your right to choose. This can be very frustrating and disempowering. It can make you feel like you’re not a part of the relationship and like you have no control over your life. This can be especially damaging if it’s a constant pattern. If you’re always being told what to do, where to go, and what to eat, it can start to feel like you’re not an equal partner. This isn’t necessarily intentional, but it can be a sign that your partner doesn’t respect your autonomy.

Keeping You from Your Friends and Family

When someone doesn’t let you make any choices, it’s a sign that they don’t respect your opinion or your right to make your own decisions. It can also be a sign that they’re trying to control you, which is another form of disrespect.

Making Decisions About Your Life Without Consulting With You First

When someone makes decisions about your life without consulting with you first, it’s a sign that they don’t respect your opinions or your right to have a say in your own life. This can be a big issue, especially if it’s a constant pattern. It can leave you feeling like you’re not a part of the relationship and like you have

Disregarding Your Feelings, Ideas, and Thoughts

When someone disregards your feelings, ideas, and thoughts, it’s a sign that they don’t respect you as a person. This can be really frustrating because it makes you feel like you’re not being heard or like your opinions don’t matter. It can also make you feel like you’re not a part of the relationship. This is a form of emotional abuse and it’s really damaging to your self-esteem.

Making Fun of You or Teasing You

When someone makes fun of you or teases you, it’s a sign that they don’t respect you. This can be really hurtful and humiliating. It can make you feel like you’re not good enough and like you’re not worth respect. It can also be a sign that they’re trying to control you by making you feel bad about yourself.

Yelling, Screaming, or Becoming Violent

When someone yells, screams, or becomes violent, it’s a sign that they don’t respect you and that they’re not in control of their emotions. This is a form of emotional abuse and it’s dangerous. It can make you feel scared, alone, and helpless. If this is happening in your relationship, please get help from a professional or a support group as soon as possible.

Criticizing or Insulting Who You Are as a Person in Private or Public

When someone criticizes or insults who you are as a person, it’s a sign that they don’t respect you. This can damage your self-esteem and it can make you feel like you’re not good enough. It can also be a sign that they’re trying to control you by making you feel bad about yourself.

Refusing To Do Things You Want To Do

When someone refuses to do things that you want to do, it’s a sign that they don’t respect your opinion or your right to make decisions. This can be really frustrating, and it can leave you feeling like you’re not a part of the relationship. This can also be a sign that they don’t care about your needs.

Touching You in a Way That Makes You Feel Uncomfortable

When someone touches you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s a sign that they don’t respect you. This can be harmful, and it can make you feel like you’re not safe. It can also be a sign that they’re trying to control you by making you feel scared or uncomfortable. It could also be abuse.

Name-Calling

Name-calling is never appropriate and is always a clear sign of disrespect in any relationship. No one deserves negative labels or to be treated with such little regard. In some ways, this is a form of emotional abuse and can damage your self-esteem. If this is happening in your relationship, please get help from a professional or a support group as soon as possible.

Threatening or Blackmailing Behavior

When someone displays any of the behaviors listed above, it’s another sign that they don’t respect you. This can be really harmful to your relationship, and it can leave you feeling scared, alone, and trapped in a toxic relationship.

Constant Put-Downs and Negative Comments About Your Appearance, Intelligence, or Abilities

Disrespecting someone’s feelings, ideas, and thoughts is a way of devaluing them as a person. It sends the message that the person’s thoughts and feelings don’t matter and that they’re not worth listening to. This can be really damaging to the person’s self-esteem and can make them feel completely worthless.

Blaming You for Everything Bad That Happens in the Relationship

Another sign of disrespect is when someone constantly blames us for everything bad or negative that happens in a relationship. Relationship trouble is almost never solely one person’s fault. Blaming someone for everything that goes wrong is a way of putting all the responsibility on them and making them feel like they’re to blame. This is unfair and unrealistic.

How to Stop Disrespect in a Relationship

Let’s switch gears and talk about how to stop disrespect in a relationship. To stop disrespect, take these steps.

Confront the person when they’re disrespecting you. This can be hard to do, but it’s important. Let them know how their words or actions make you feel.

Communicate your needs clearly and assertively. This will help the other person understand what you need and why you need it.

Set boundaries with the person. If they continue to disrespect you, make it clear that there will be consequences for their actions. This could mean ending the relationship or simply refusing to tolerate the behavior anymore. Seek professional help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or like you can’t manage the situation on your own, please seek professional help. There are many qualified professionals who can help.