7 Tiny Relationships Bombs That Cause Severe Damage If They're Not Defused

If you recognize any of the following patterns in your relationship, it’s important to do something about them. These are relationship ‘bombs’, which can do serious damage if they’re not defused.

By naming and knowing them, and bringing them out into the light and fresh air they can be made safe. If they stay buried, they will just end up making a very bad smell.

But with the right combination of light and air, like compost, they can be slowly converted from something messy and unpleasant into something that feeds your relationship.

Here are the relationship bombs that cause severe damage if they're not defused:

1. Psychological problems

couple arguing as a habit that's a huge red flag Drazen Zigic / Shutterstock

Narcissism, Borderline Personality Disorder, and other types of mental illnesses are not as rare as you might think. These conditions can cause serious emotional pain and damage; learn about them and look out for look warning signs in yourself or your partner, so that appropriate help can be sought out before they sabotage the relationship or the people in it.

2. Projections

upset couple not talking is a huge red flag Perfect Wave / Shutterstock

If either of you is idealizing or demonizing the other or using them to try to ‘fix’ your own painful memories from the past, e.g. the relationship you had with your parents, you are on a path to disappointment.

A loving partner can reassure us about how much they value us and help us to learn to accept and appreciate ourselves, but no one can fill another person’s inner ‘love deficit’ or the lack of self-valuing that can come from painful early family experiences; ultimately each of us has to do that for ourselves.

Projection, where individuals unconsciously attribute their undesirable thoughts or feelings to others, can be a significant red flag, potentially indicating underlying issues, relationship problems, or even personality disorders. A 2021 study found that projection can lead to a cycle of negativity and conflict, making building healthy, trusting relationships difficult.

3. Envy/insecurity

couple arguing on couch is a huge red flag Srdjan Randjelovic / Shutterstock

If you are secretly envious of your partner’s status, wealth, skills, etc., this might feel like ‘attraction’ but in fact, it will undermine you and your lover. If there’s to be any chance of the relationship working well, this feeling is a signal to you to change your life to be more like the one you want, and/or to get some counseling.

4. Hidden power struggles

couple arguing in park is a huge red flag Paula VV / Shutterstock

These usually involve passive-aggressive behaviors which aim, in an unacknowledged way, to hurt or undermine the other person. The only antidote is to admit to these feelings to yourself and to your partner. We all have them to some extent, so they’re nothing to feel ashamed of, and from this place of self-acceptance and communication, you can begin to heal and move forward together.

A 2014 study explained that hidden power struggles, often manifested as subtle control tactics and manipulation, are significant red flags that can signal a lack of healthy relationship dynamics and potential for long-term problems. If you suspect you are in a relationship with hidden power struggles, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor to address the underlying issues and develop healthier communication and relationship skills.

5. Wishful thinking

upset couple not talking is a huge red flag MAYA LAB / Shutterstock

‘Hoping for the best’ from your partner, in spite of your instincts, others’ advice, and the evidence — but not being willing to take responsibility for making changes, including possibly ending the relationship, will surely end in tears.

Hoping for a different outcome while doing the same thing is what Einstein defined as ‘insanity.’ And he should know! Procrastination is always tempting, but life’s too short and precious to waste in blind alleys.

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6. Need for validation

upset couple sitting by the water is a huge red flag InesBazdar / Shutterstock

We can only accept and appreciate others, and be accepted and appreciated by others, to the extent that we accept and appreciate ourselves. If you don’t have this positive relationship with yourself, it’s essential to change it before even considering the serious possibility of having a relationship with anyone else!

While a general need for validation can be a normal human desire, excessive and constant seeking of it, particularly at the expense of others or one's well-being, can be a significant red flag, potentially indicating underlying insecurities, low self-esteem, or even narcissistic traits.

A 2023 study found that a constant need for validation can lead to a slippery slope, where individuals may seek validation from multiple sources, including other people and even other relationships, potentially leading to infidelity or other relationship problems.

7. Fear of loneliness

couple arguing is a relationship habit that's a huge red flag fizkes / Shutterstock

If either of you is willing to put up with disappointment and/or change your basic nature to fit in with another person’s needs from a fear of being abandoned or alone, this is an expression of an insecure ‘attachment style’.

It’s not a foundation for a good relationship and means you’re being dishonest and selling yourself short, which will inevitably lead to mutual recrimination and tears. Strangely, it’s when you’re most able to feel happy being alone that you’re likely to meet and be able to have a healthy relationship with, the right kind of person!

Steve Garrett is a trained facilitator with the Alternatives to Violence Project and is a mentor to young men.