Why do people stay in dysfunctional relationships?

Answer by  JenniferJ (326)

After the honeymoon period is over people often don't realize how bad the relationship is or in denial. Some people are afraid to leave because their partner makes threats or will make things a little better to prevent a split. Others would rather have a bad relationship than no relationship.

Answer by  Qwitzon (578)

Once a person has become used to an abusive situation, they become uncomfortable when there is no abuse. They keep waiting for the "other shoe to drop" and their anxiety keeps increasing. Victims feel relief from this anxiety immediately following each abusive interaction. Psychiatrists have even been able to replicate this negative cycle with dogs in clinical experiments.