We’ve probably all found ourselves humming along to the lyrics from Julia Michaels’ song “Issues” last summer. In it, she sings, “I’m jealous, I’m overzealous. When I’m down, I get really down. I get angry, baby, believe me. I could love you just like that. And I could leave you just this fast.”
As catchy and popular as this song became, the type of relationship it describes is one based on power and control instead of equality and respect . But, what does it mean to have an equal relationship? Equality in a relationship means that each person’s interests and desires are respected and met to a reasonable degree as opposed to just one partner’s needs dominating the relationship. Inequality in a relationship refers to an imbalance of power between partners. In an unhealthy relationship one partner “ maintains power and control over the other .” If your partner’s needs dominate the relationship without much consideration for your own then the relationship is unequal.
Sounds simple enough. Still, some of the most common relationship problems stem from inequality within the relationship. Think about it. Do you always have to do the housework? Are you expected to pay for every meal in order to earn your partner’s affection? If unintentional, these behaviors do not necessarily mean your partner is abusive, it just means your relationship is unequal. Continue reading “4 Signs Your Relationship is Based on Inequality”