Students recognize signs unhealthy love

A young man and woman can be overheard screaming obscenities at each other in their Tallahassee apartment. Because such behavior between couples is so common, people tend not to get concerned, even when things get violent.Many are confused as to what is an unhealthy relationship. Seclusion, jealousy, dominance and physical or emotional abuse are just a few red flags that suggest a relationship is unhealthy and headed for trouble. “I feel like a lot of unhealthy relationships stem from low self-esteem and lack of self-worth,” said Jasmine Worley, 20, a second-year biology student from Cleveland, Ohio. “People only do what you allow them to do.”A lot of students may have never been exposed to healthy relationships and are therefore unable to reciprocate affection and support. This seems to be a vicious cycle circulating throughout today’s society.Some develop preconceived notions that women and men are not equally affected in unhealthy relationships.Michael Thomas, 21, a third-year engineering student from Haines City, said, “I’ve been in unhealthy relationships and they stemmed from lack of communication.” Thomas said he feels as if women are babied and men are blamed when something goes wrong in the relationship.“I’ve also found, through my matriculation here at FAMU, that a lack of honesty has also been a relationship killer,” Thomas said.Unhealthy relationships are usually stressful, but can be more than overwhelming to a college student. Lectures, homework, projects, tests, a part or full-time job are common tasks to be fulfilled by college students. Unhealthy relationships can be a real deal breaker for an individual with a load as heavy as those mentioned.One Florida A&M student feels as if programs should be implemented to help solve this problem. Lyndsi Caldwell, 20, a third year political science student from Detroit, said, “I believe that more programs and seminars should be implemented to help students recognize the signs and symptoms of unhealthy relationships. “I believe a lot of students indulge themselves in unhealthy relationships because they are anticipating eventual comfort ability,” said Worley.