A key sign that a relationship is unhealthy

In a strong relationship, each partner deems the other as an enhancement to his or her life.

But that's different from expecting the person to complete them, which is indicative of an unhealthy relationship.

When one turns to a partner to make them whole, it goes beyond merely calling them their soulmate.

They rely heavily on one another to meet each other's every need -- whether physical, financial, or emotional -- potentially leaving both individuals' feeling drained and frustrated.

Oftentimes, though, one person is far more dependent on the other, and if they feel their partner isn't there to quell all their worries and fix all their problems, it sends them into a panic.

A relationship is a partnership, with both making individual contributions that, at the end of the day, make you one cohesive unit.

But to expect your partner to do everything you want, when you want it, is unrealistic -- and unfair.

For example, there will be nights where your partner -- whether because of illness, tiredness, or worry over some future event -- just isn't in the mood to make love.

And while they should each back one another up financially, no one should feel the leeway to mooch from their significant other (e.g., expecting the person to pay for everything rather than getting a job to help out).

What's more, while your partner can give you their advice, they don't have all the answers.

Sometimes you might be better off enlisting the help of friends or family to take some of the pressure off your partner. They can also come in handy when you're feeling bored and desire to do something with someone, assuming your partner isn't up to it.

As I've noted in earlier posts, extremes can create serious problems. You don't want to be with someone who never attends to your needs, but you shouldn't besiege them with neverending pleas for money, reassurance, or attention either.

You can never be certain that your partner is not going to cheat, walk out on, or do a complete 180 on you tomorrow.

Rather than putting all your eggs in one happiness basket, learn this: Happiness begins and ends with you.

Whatever is inside of you -- your kindness, intelligence, integrity -- cannot be taken away by anyone else.

In closing, you shouldn't look for a person who "completes you." Instead, find someone who complements you -- one with whom you connect physically, mentally, and emotionally -- even if they don't fulfill your every need or request.

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