How Insecurity Can Follow a Dismissive Relationship

It can be so easy to feel secure and balanced in a relationship. That feeling of security and contentment is something that is naturally attractive to people, and it can help to build strong and healthy relationships. Unfortunately, even the most secure and balanced person might become painfully aware that their emotional stability may be rocked when they are dealing with someone who is dismissive enough. It may seem like something that could only happen once in a blue moon, but in actuality, it is more common than one may think.

When someone is engaging with a person who is dismissive, there may be an initial sense of shock and discomfort. In most cases, there is a sense of disbelief that someone was able to make such a cutting remark and then just move on as if nothing happened. This can be particularly trying and destabilizing for the person on the receiving end of the dismissive behavior. When this happens often enough, it may lead to a profound feeling of insecurity and confusion.

This kind of dismissive interaction may be particularly disruptive because in a normal relationship the parties involved expect certain kinds of behavior, and dismissive comments do not fit that expectation. The person on the receiving end of this behavior may find themselves questioning the safety and security of the relationship. They may also feel anxious and uncertain over their place within the dynamic.

It is unfortunately true that when these types of interactions become regular occurrences, the secure and balanced person can become emotionally destabilized and overwhelmed. A sense of self-doubt can begin to creep in and become part of their inner struggles. The memory of the dismissive comments acts as a subtle reminder that the stability of the relationship is fragile and at risk of being broken.

It is not only the sense of insecurity and doubt that can be challenging but also the humiliation that may come with it, this feeling of being discounted or disregarded by someone they have built a connection with. In some cases, even in the absence of dismissive interactions, the person may naturally begin to expect a similar type of behavior, creating a sort of “self-fulfilling prophecy”, where the situation is almost willed to become what is feared.

The experiences of being treated dismissively can leave an enduring impression of deep-seated insecurity, low self-worth and potentially lifelong patterns of thought and behavior that may be extremely difficult to change. It serves as a reminder of the fragility of human interactions. It also speaks to how profoundly protective we must be in our relationships, and how considerate we must be of the emotions of those we care about.

The reality is that those who are secure and balanced can often come undone when faced with a dismissive relationship. The effects of that kind of interaction have potential to cause deep-seated insecurities. We must be cognizant of how our words and behavior has the power to alter and shape the experiences of those closest to us. By being more mindful and respectful in our relationships, we might be able to spare someone the permanent mark of a dismissatively harsh interaction.