Attachment and Borderline Personality Disorder This paper aims to explore monogamous relationships and how partners, either one or both, who have a borderline personality disorder (BPD) affect the relationship, As well as how those who suffer from BPD may take action to defend against the harmful effects brought on by BPD in relationships. This paper will cover what a neurotypical relationship, healthy and unhealthy, looks like and then what a relationship containing a partner with BPD (once again, both healthy and unhealthy) looks like. Relationships Healthy Relationships Many essential aspects go into creating a healthy relationship; these aspects can be characterized as a foundation of trust, respect, and open communication. According to …show more content…
These relationships contain a power or control imbalance created by the abuser or the toxic partner. These characteristics of an unhealthy relationship can start as a pattern of small unhealthy behaviors that can become abusive. An unhealthy relationship is not always centered around power and control; however, it can be considered harmful or abusive if one partner or both make the other partner feel bad about themselves regularly, even if subtle. This pattern of interaction can lead to an imbalance of power or control and create a complex dynamic; However, it should be considered overlapping rather than the same thing as one could put down their partner consistently without, or before, a power dynamic is in play would still be regarded as …show more content…
There are some ways that one could cope with BPD; this includes talking to peers, medicating, and creating a list of coping mechanisms to fight against the negative symptoms of the condition. If one or both partners takes steps to help negate the effects of BPD on the relationship, then ideally, the couple could create and maintain a healthy relationship. Negative Outcome BPD, as shown above, has a range of effects on the individual afflicted. While a positive outcome of a relationship with one or both partners having BPD was discussed, a negative result is also very likely. If those afflicted don't take steps to negate the effects that it may have, a relationship can quickly become unhealthy. The afflicted fears of abandonment may lead to a defense mechanism known as splitting, which causes them to view themselves and others as either "good" or "bad." This perceived dynamic may lead to manipulative or coercive behavior to maintain the relationship or keep their partner close. Those with BPD are prone to both being abused and being the abuser; thus, untreated BPD can be severely detrimental to the relationship and those participating in