Don’t Be on the Naughty List: Spotting Unhealthy Relationship Signs This Holiday Season

The holidays are meant for joy, connection, and celebration—whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or cozy winter vibes. But if someone in your life is showing signs of unhealthy behavior, it can steal your sparkle faster than a Grinch in Whoville. Here’s how to spot the red flags and keep your season merry and bright. 🌟 

They’re Always Grinchin’ (Possessiveness) 

If they’re acting more like the Grinch than your holiday hero—always checking your phone, questioning your plans, or throwing a fit because you’re spending time with family or friends—it’s giving 🚩. Healthy relationships respect your independence. You don’t need a permission slip to enjoy your traditions. 

They Freeze You Out (Isolation) 

One minute, they’re all cozy for the holidays, and the next, they’re pressuring you to skip family gatherings or drop your usual celebrations to spend time only with them. It’s not love—it’s isolation, and it’s not festive. 

Constant “Jingle Bell” Drama (Guilting) 

“After everything I’ve done for you, you’re really going to go to that party without me?” Sound familiar? Using guilt to control you is toxic, not thoughtful. Healthy relationships encourage you to celebrate freely. 

They Trim Your Confidence (Belittling) 

No, their comment about your ugly sweater wasn’t “just a joke.” If they’re constantly making low-key digs or full-on mean remarks about you, it’s belittling—and a big red flag. Relationships should build you up like a sparkling tree, not tear you down like fallen ornaments. 

All About Them (Manipulation) 

If every decision—from which party to attend to what you gift—is dictated by their wants, you’re not in a healthy relationship. Manipulation isn’t merry, and relationships should always feel like a two-way street. 

They’re a Holiday Wildcard (Volatility) 

Do their moods swing more than a snow globe? If you’re constantly on edge, never knowing when they’ll lash out or apologize, it’s not festive—it’s volatile. Healthy relationships bring peace, not chaos. 

The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself 

This holiday season, don’t let someone else’s unhealthy behavior dim your light. Set boundaries, lean on your support system, and remember that you deserve relationships as magical as the holidays themselves. Also, unhealthy behavior can sometimes escalate to abuse – so knowing the earliest warning signs is 🔑 to keeping yourself and your friends safe.  

If this resonates with you or someone you know, you’re not alone. One Love Foundation offers free resources to help you recognize and build healthy relationships. If you or someone you know needs support in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, get help here.  

Support our mission this Giving Season by donating today. Your gift helps us provide life-changing tools and resources to individuals everywhere. Donate Here and spread love that lasts all year long. 

Let’s keep the holidays about joy, connection, and love—the healthy kind.  

— Carla Mitchell Kozen, Content Manager