Double Standard in Relationships

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Have you ever been in a relationship and felt like you were doing all the work? Like your partner was coasting along, not putting in any effort? If so, then you’ve probably experienced a double standard.

What is Double Standard in Relationships

A double standard is when people are held to different standards in the same situation. For example, a man might be praised for being ” decisive” while a woman is “bossy.” A double standard can also be applied to different groups of people. For instance, white-collar criminals are often given lighter punishments than blue-collar criminals. Double standards can be found in many areas of life, but they are particularly common in relationships. One partner might be allowed to cheat or lie, while the other is expected to be completely faithful. Double standards can create tension and resentment in a relationship, so it’s essential to be aware of them and try to avoid them.

How a Double Standard Can Ruin a Relationship

1.A double standard can foster resentment and jealousy.

When it comes to relationships, a double standard can often lead to resentment and jealousy. One partner may feel they are being held to a higher standard than the other or are not given the same opportunities. This can create a feeling of unfairness and can damage trust between partners. In some cases, one partner may feel like they are being controlled by the other. If left unresolved, a double standard can ruin a relationship.

2.It can create an atmosphere of mistrust.

One of the ways that double standards can ruin a relationship is by creating an atmosphere of mistrust. If one partner feels that they are being held to a higher standard than the other, it can lead to resentment and suspicion. The partner being held to a higher standard may feel that they are being unfairly judged, damaging their self-esteem. In addition, the partner who is not being held to the same standard may feel that they are not valued or respected. This can lead to a breakdown in communication and trust. Ultimately, double standards can hurt both partners in a relationship.

3.It can lead to one partner feeling like they are being controlled.

One of the ways that double standards can ruin a relationship is by leading one partner to feel controlled. Different rules for each person can create an uneven power dynamic in which one partner feels like they are not able to make their own choices. This can be particularly damaging if the partner who feels controlled is resentful or frustrated. To maintain a healthy relationship, it is vital that both partners feel like they can make their own decisions and that their choices are respected. Otherwise, the relationship is likely to become unbalanced and unhealthy.

4.It can cause feelings of insecurity in a relationship.

Double standards can also cause feelings of insecurity in a relationship. When one partner is held to a higher standard, it can make the other partner feel like they are not good enough. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration. In addition, when one partner feels like they are not being given the same opportunities as the other, it can create a sense of insecurity. Ultimately, double standards can damage the self-esteem of both partners and can make it difficult for them to feel secure in the relationship.

5.It can make it difficult to communicate openly and honestly with each other.

Double standards in a relationship can make it difficult for partners to communicate openly and honestly with each other. One partner may feel like they are not being heard or understood, which can lead to conflict. In addition, the partner who is not being held to the same standard may feel like they are not valued or respected. This can make it difficult to trust each other and damage the communication between partners. Double standards can make it difficult for partners to connect on a deeper level.

6.It can lead to one partner feeling like they are not good enough.

One of the ways that double standards can ruin a relationship is by causing one partner to feel like they are not good enough. When one partner is held to a higher standard, it can make the other partner feel like they are not good enough. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration. In addition, when one partner feels like they are not being given the same opportunities as the other, it can create a sense of insecurity. Ultimately, double standards can damage the self-esteem of both partners and can make it difficult for them to feel secure in the relationship.

7.It can make it hard to resolve conflicts in a relationship.

Double standards can have a corrosive effect on even the happiest of relationships. After all, it can be difficult to resolve conflicts when one person is held to a different standard than the other. For example, if one partner is always expected to be available while the other is given more freedom, it can create a feeling of imbalance. The same is true if one person is constantly criticized for mistakes while the other is allowed to slide by. Over time, these double standards can erode trust and lead to resentment. In some cases, they can even be the catalyst for a breakup. Fortunately, by being aware of this potential pitfall, couples can work together to avoid creating double standards in their relationship.

8.It can cause one partner to feel powerless and helpless.

In a relationship, a double standard can ruin trust and lead to feelings of powerlessness and helplessness. For example, if a woman is expected to be monogamous, but her partner is not, she may feel like she’s being unfairly judged. Alternatively, if one partner is expected to do all the housework, they may feel taken for granted or unappreciated. Ultimately, a double standard creates an imbalanced power dynamic that can damage even the strongest relationships.

9.It can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

A double standard in a relationship can also lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. When one partner is held to a higher standard, it can make the other partner feel like they are not good enough. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration. In addition, when one partner feels like they are not being given the same opportunities as the other, it can create a sense of insecurity. Ultimately, double standards can damage the self-esteem of both partners and can make it difficult for them to feel secure in the relationship.

10.It can ultimately destroy a relationship.

While a double standard can have several adverse effects on a relationship, the most destructive effect is that it can ultimately destroy the relationship. When one partner is constantly being held to a higher standard, it can create feelings of resentment and bitterness. In addition, it can make it difficult for partners to trust and communicate. Ultimately, a double standard can be the straw that breaks the camel’s back and can lead to a relationship breaking down.

How to Avoid Double Standard in Relationships

1.Maintain communication with your partner 

In any partnership, it’s essential to ensure that both parties are on the same page. This helps to prevent misunderstandings and hurt feelings and can also help to avoid the development of double standards. When partners communicate openly and honestly, they are more likely to develop a mutual understanding and respect for each other’s needs and boundaries.

Furthermore, communication can help partners identify areas where they may need to make adjustments to maintain fairness and balance in the relationship. By making an effort to communicate regularly with your partner, you can help to create a stronger, healthier relationship built on trust, respect, and equality.

2.Check in with your partner about their day.

We all know the feeling of being unheard. When our partner doesn’t ask about our day, it can feel like they don’t care. However, when we take the time to ask about their day, we are sending the message that we value them and their experiences. This simple act can help to avoid double standards in relationships. When we only focus on ourselves, it can be easy to forget that our partner has a life outside us. By checking in with them, we are showing that we respect and appreciate them as an individual. In turn, this can help to create a more balanced and equal relationship. So next time you’re feeling disconnected from your partner, take a moment to ask about their day. You may be surprised at how much closer you feel as a result.

3.Support your partner’s dreams and goals 

We all have dreams and goals that we want to achieve in life. Supporting our partners as they pursue their dreams is important in a relationship. This can be difficult if we don’t share the same dream, but it’s important to remember that our partner’s dreams are just as valid as our own. Furthermore, supporting our partner can help to avoid double standards in relationships. When we only focus on our dreams and goals, it can be easy to forget that our partner has their own. This can lead to feelings of inequity and resentment. So, instead of putting your partner’s dreams on the back burner, make an effort to support them. It will not only make them feel appreciated, but it can also help to create a more balanced and equal relationship.

4.Be honest with each other 

Honesty is vital in any relationship. When we are honest with our partners, it shows that we trust and respect them. Furthermore, honesty can help to avoid double standards in relationships. Dishonesty with our partner can easily create an imbalance in the relationship. This is because dishonesty often leads to one person having more power and control than the other. As a result, it can be challenging to maintain equality in the relationship. So, if you want to avoid double standards in your relationship, ensure you are always honest with your partner. It may not always be easy, but it will help to create a more balanced and healthy relationship.

5.Be patient with each other 

Patience is an essential virtue in any relationship. When we are patient with our partners, it shows that we respect and understand them. Furthermore, patience can help to avoid double standards in relationships. When we are impatient with our partner, it can easily create an imbalance in the relationship. This is because impatience often makes one person feel like they are not being heard or valued. As a result, it can be difficult to maintain equality in the relationship. So, if you want to avoid double standards in your relationship, ensure you are always patient with your partner. It may not always be easy, but it will help to create a more balanced and healthy relationship.

6.Don’t keep secrets from each other 

One of the essential things in any relationship is trust. When we keep secrets from each other, it can create an atmosphere of suspicion and mistrust. Furthermore, it can lead to a double standard, where one person is allowed to keep secrets while the other is not. This is unfair and can damage the relationship. Therefore, being honest with each other and avoiding keeping secrets is essential. This will help to create a more trusting and supportive relationship.

7.Forgive each other 

In any relationship, it’s important to forgive each other. That doesn’t mean you must forget what happened, but move on. If you don’t forgive each other, you’re just setting yourselves up for a double standard. One person will always hold a grudge, which is not fair. It’s not healthy, either. Sooner or later, all that resentment will come out, and it will not be pretty. So if you want to avoid a double standard in your relationship, learn to forgive each other. It’s the only way to move forward.

8.Be respectful of each other 

Respect is an essential part of any relationship. When we are respectful of our partners, it shows that we value them as an individual. Furthermore, respect can help to avoid double standards in relationships. When we disrespect our partner, it can be easy to create an imbalance in the relationship. This is because disrespect often leads to one person feeling like they are not being valued. As a result, it can be difficult to maintain equality in the relationship. So, if you want to avoid double standards in your relationship, ensure you are always respectful of your partner. It may not always be easy, but it will help to create a more balanced and healthy relationship.

9.Be trusting of each other 

Trust is an essential component of any relationship. When we are trusting of our partners, it shows that we have faith in them. Furthermore, trust can help to avoid double standards in relationships. When we are untrusting our partner, it can easily create an imbalance in the relationship. This is because mistrust often leads to one person feeling like they are not being valued. As a result, it can be difficult to maintain equality in the relationship. So, if you want to avoid double standards in your relationship, ensure you always trust your partner. It may not always be easy, but it will help to create a more balanced and healthy relationship.

10.Spend time together 

One of the best ways to avoid double standards in relationships is to make sure you spend time together. This is because when you are together, you can communicate and connect. Furthermore, spending time together can help to build trust and understanding. So, if you want to avoid double standards in your relationship, make sure you take the time to be together. It may not always be easy, but it will help to create a more balanced and healthy relationship.

Conclusion

People are attracted to those who display qualities that they lack in themselves. When it comes to relationships, this can create a double standard. Partners may be drawn to each other because of their differences, but this can lead to tension and problems. If you want your relationship to last, it’s important to find common ground and appreciate each other’s qualities.