10 Signs You Could Be in a Forced Relationship

Being in a forced relationship can be emotionally and psychologically draining for you. One of the classic signs of a forced relationship is that one or both people feel confined or forced into the relationship.

To keep another partner out while forcing a relationship, one partner may resort to emotional deception, intimidation, or blackmail.

Forcing sex can cause emotional and physical trauma to victims, leaving them feeling trapped and helpless. If you are the victim, you don’t want to stay in this position for long. In this article, we examine the dynamics of a forced relationship, explore how it manifests, its impact on the victim, and ways to break free from its grip.

What is a forced relationship?

Before we diagnose the symptoms of this unpleasant interaction, let’s clarify what a forced relationship is.

According to popular research on forced marriages and relationships, many forced relationships and marriages have seen close partner violence and sexual assault. This is because emotions in these situations are often one-sided. Forcing a relationship to work is like forcing a cat to talk. He will meow and purr. But he won’t be able to hold a meaningful conversation with you.

A forced relationship is one in which one or both parties cling to the concept of being together even when both realize that it is better to stay apart.

10 signs you may be in a forced relationship

Do you think you are in a forced relationship? You may not know for sure unless you see some red flags. So what are the signs of a forced relationship? Read on to find out.

1. Fights and disputes are never forgotten

“In a forced relationship or marriage, you will find yourself arguing over the same things over and over. Most of the time, problems are so trivial that they can even be considered ludicrous.

Almost every day, similar conflicts will arise with no immediate resolution or resolution. You and your partner will unintentionally say nasty things to each other when anger flares up.

2. You feel insecure

Spark or not, if you find yourself in a tense relationship or a strained relationship with someone, you may feel like you have to constantly censor yourself or think too much about your words. and his actions. You are never truly free to be yourself in these relationships.

If a relationship has you walking on eggshells all the time, it might not be worth it, because insecurity is one of the main signs that you’re straining your relationship.

3. Negativity

One of the signs that you are being forced into a relationship is that it will be filled with negativity. Under these conditions, there will be jealousy, suspicion, manipulation, and sarcasm. Strangers can even easily see that something is wrong in your relationship, no matter how hard you try to hide what’s going on.

4. No genuine affection

Another sign of relationship tension is that there will be no real attachment between the two of you. While you may appear to be a happy couple in public, when you’re alone, you’ll feel less connected to each other.

5. You are on your own

Feeling lonely or unsupported all the time can be one of the symptoms of a strained relationship with someone.

Among other things, relationships provide close friendships and a sense of security. When you’re with the person you love, you know you can conquer the world with them around.

This is not the case with imperative relationships.

In a forced relationship, you feel more like a roommate than a lover. You seem to be drifting away and your interactions are obstructed and far apart.

In a forced relationship, you may not even rely on your partner. What if they let you down right away?

6. No respect

Another proof of a forced relationship is a lack of respect. It may go unspoken, but as your partner continues to show disrespect and disloyalty, you may want to reconsider your position.

For example, do they like to throw you under the bus whenever you’re out in public? Do they quickly avoid you or do their best to protect you from dangerous blows?

Consider how your partner treats you at home and on the street. That says a lot about your relationship status.

7. No boundaries

Someone who forces you to adore them will not respect your boundaries. They will violate your privacy and prevent you from having any alone time. There will no longer be any sense of uniqueness, and you will soon feel trapped in the relationship.

Again, does your partner try to pry into your phone when they think you’re not looking? Do they trust your judgment and sense of character? Do they gaslight you and make you feel like they’re always right?

Those may be your signs. 

8. Control over your finances

Think of this as an expression of the previous point. If your partner is trying to consciously take control of your finances (even if they have done little or nothing to improve your financial situation), you may want to reconsider.

A loving partner will be able to accept your independence and give you the space you need to take control of your finances. They will be there to advise you when you need it, but they won’t try to take away your financial independence.

9. Sexual coercion 

Another sign that you are strong in a relationship is your sex life. Since you can be there against your will, you are not always ready to have sex with your partner.

To make up for the “lack of action”, they may decide to look elsewhere or force you to perform sexual acts with which you disagree.

Regardless of how it is described, sexual abuse is a punishable offence. Consider seeking outside help if you become a victim of sexual abuse in your relationship.

10. Physical threats

A coercive relationship includes physical assault and threats, verbal abuse, sexual coercion, financial control, and isolation. When your partner repeatedly hits you or threatens to gain respect by hurting your body, consider ending the relationship as soon as possible.

How to get out of a forced relationship: 5 ways

Leaving a forced relationship can be difficult, but you need to put your safety and happiness first. Here are five tips to help you get out of a forced relationship:

1. Seek assistance

How to stop forcing a relationship? Seek outside support. To discuss your problem and get advice on how to end the relationship, reach out to a trusted friend or family member, a support group, or a professional therapist.

2. Create a strategy

Develop a strategy for ending the relationship, including finding a safe place to stay, gathering the necessary paperwork and belongings, and establishing a support network. When you’re determined to stop straining relationships, it’s important to have a plan for it.

3. Terminate all forms of communication

Depending on the severity of your relationship, you may want to get back with your abuser after leaving the relationship. You don’t want that.

4. Obtain a restraining order

Consider applying for a restraining order to legally protect yourself from your abuser if needed.

5. Look after yourself

Recovering from periods like these requires time and absolute self-care. Prioritize self-care by getting counseling, participating in self-care activities, and taking time for yourself.