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6 Signs Your Partner Secretly Hates Your Guts (From Someone Who’s Been There)

“Talking down to each other is never a good sign.”

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Have you ever been in a relationship with someone who couldn’t care less whether you lived or died? (Unfortunately, I’ve certainly been there.)

Dating someone who so clearly despises you and your joy is one of the worst feelings and most damaging experiences. However, the contempt is not always obvious. 

“While hatred and contempt are two different things, contempt is what I see more,” notes Melissa Kester, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Certified Relational Life Therapist, and Certified Sex and Couples Therapist. “If you are noticing [the following] behaviors, tee up a conversation. Let your significant other know you are worried.”

Here are six signs your partner might actually hate you—or at least harbor some contempt.

1. Punitive Withdrawal

Many partners will withdraw from arguments or discussions when they feel emotionally overwhelmed. In and of itself, this isn’t always a sign that your significant other doesn’t respect you.........

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