Name-calling in Relationships: 12 Effects

Arguments arise occasionally, even in the most loving and happiest relationships, but happy couples know how to resolve their disagreements amicably and with mutual respect.

If, during an argument, you or your partner start calling each other insulting names, your relationship is in trouble. Name-calling is one kind of verbal abuse  that can damage your relationship. It shatters efficient communication, breeds long-lasting hostility, and erodes trust.

How Name-calling Affects Relationships

Name-calling has the potential to destroy a relationship in the following ways:

1. It fosters resentment over time

When someone calls you names, it may seem insignificant at first, but it will eventually wear you down. Your self-esteem gradually erodes as a result of the taunts and disparaging remarks, leaving you feeling resentful and angry.

It’s impossible to take back harmful words after they’ve been said, even if your partner apologizes for losing control and appears sincere in their regret. Your animosity will become stronger the more it occurs, until it finally ends up destroying your relationship.

2. It hinders productive communication

Effective communicaton can resolve conflicts and come up with solutions that benefit both parties. However, calling someone names immediately breaks off communication, making it hard to have a fruitful discussion.

You’re not listening to your spouse or trying to find a middle ground when you’re preoccupied with protecting yourself against slights. You can’t stop thinking about how much you detest this kind of treatment.

3. It takes the place of genuine emotions

Another easy method to avoid handling complicated and sticky emotions is to call someone names.  Calling your partner a “stupid fool” is a lot easier than trying to figure out what’s causing your anger by working through your feelings of hurt and uncertainty.

You’re not addressing the root problems in your relationship when you call each other offensive names. You’re merely trying to hurt your partner the way they’ve hurt you by striking out in rage. This never resolves anything and will ultimately make matters worse.

4. It’s disrespectful

In the end, calling someone names is just impolite. It’s a tactic for demeaning and undermining your significant other. It’s an indication that you don’t respect your spouse if you can’t communicate with them without calling them names. It’s also a matter of time until a relationship ends when there is no mutual respect.

5. It intensifies arguments

Any relationship will inevitably have arguments from time to time, but calling someone names may turn a minor disagreement into a full-fledged brawl very quickly. The more insults you and your spouse throw at one another, the angrier you both get and before you know it, you’re in the middle of an uncontrollably escalating screaming match. Even worse, you don’t get any closer to settling your differences, and the initial disagreement is long gone.

6. It may result in even more harmful actions

Using derogatory language to refer to one another creates a risky precedent that disrespect is acceptable. If calling each other names is acceptable, then perhaps pushing, shoving, or hitting each other is also acceptable. It’s crucial to get expert assistance before things get worse if your fights start turning violent.

7. It provides a poor example of a home

Using derogatory language towards someone who is a parent is a bad model for them to follow. Youngsters pick up social skills from the adults in their lives, so if they witness you and your spouse mistreating one another, they’ll assume it’s appropriate behavior.

You don’t want your kids to grow up believing that it’s acceptable to treat someone disrespectfully or with derogatory terms. It is not only painful, but it may have detrimental effects in the future.

8. It could harm your mental well-being

When name-calling persists unchecked, it can lead to anxiety, sadness, and even PTSD. Name-calling is a type of bullying. It can eventually lead to self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy, or even the conviction that you should be treated unfairly. Of course, no one should have to endure emotional abuse, so if this happens to you, you should get treatment.

9. It ends trust

Any relationship needs trust, but how can you place your trust in someone who continuously undermines you? It won’t take long for your trust to begin to dissolve if your spouse calls you derogatory names, and once it does, it can be difficult to regain.

10. It reduces the intellect of the name-caller

When you and your spouse use derogatory language to express disagreement, it comes across as if you lack the intelligence to have a reasoned conversation.

It also demonstrates your lack of confidence in your argument since you are forced to use derogatory language rather than reason and reasoning to support it.

11. It reduces self-esteem

It’s normal for your self-esteem to suffer when you’re told over and over again how stupid, ugly, or useless you are. You may begin to see yourself negatively and believe what your partner is saying about you.

12. It exerts control and manipulation

Name-calling may occasionally be used as a tool for control and manipulation. You might give in to your partner’s demands because they can exploit you to make you feel inferior to them.

Name-calling is never acceptable, but it may be far more harmful if it’s part of a pattern of dominating behavior. If you find yourself in an abusive relationship, please take care of your safety and well-being and get help.

What can you do if you’re a victim of name-calling?

Here’s what you can do.

1. Express your feelings to them

Your partner may not even be aware of how severe it has become. Unless you explain to them how painful and detrimental it is, they are unlikely to stop calling you names in this situation.

You may tell them you feel disrespected by it. You may say something like, ‘I feel like I’m not worthy of you when you call me names.

‘I’ statements are effective because they center attention on you rather than your spouse. By doing this, you have a far higher chance of getting them to pay attention to you and adopt your viewpoint.

2. Establish boundaries

Boundaries are restrictions you place on yourself to look after your physical and emotional needs. It also entails outlining the precise repercussions of crossing them. It’s okay to spell out the boundaries with your partner and what you’ll do if they’re crossed.

3. Ensure to enforce the set boundaries

You have to be ready to carry out the punishments you’ve outlined if your spouse crosses your boundaries. If not, they’ll rapidly figure out that crossing them is OK.

Remaining firm and keeping in mind why you are taking this action to defend yourself are crucial. In severe situations, crossing boundaries could mean breaking up with someone or leaving the relationship.

4. Ask your friends and family for help

In a toxic relationship, it’s critical to have a solid support network. When you need it, family and friends can offer a sympathetic ear, a shoulder to weep on, and useful assistance.

What should you do if you’re the one calling names?

1. Consider your words before speaking

It’s simple to let your feelings rule your actions and say things you don’t mean. The next time you’re feeling furious or frustrated, step back, collect yourself, and consider what you’re about to say.

Make an effort to effectively communicate your feelings. Refrain from launching personal attacks and concentrate on the real problem at hand.

2. Take a walk if you start to lose composure

It is advisable to leave and come back later, when you have calmed down, if you are in a scenario where you are unable to control your anger.

Walk it off, do meditation, or do whatever it takes to center yourself so that you can carry on a fruitful dialogue. Taking that break is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your partner will appreciate the fact that you’re taking the time to cool down instead of picking fights.

3. Apologize to your spouse

Apologizing for your actions is an essential first step in mending the harm inflicted on your relationship. When you’re ready, have a seat with your significant other and apologize for what you did. Admit that your actions were abusive, and express your resolve to mend your ways.

4. Try mindfulness

Being mindful can assist you in better managing your emotions and preventing negative reactions, such as calling people names. It can be exercised via yoga, meditation, or just by being more aware of your day-to-day activities. There are lots of internet tools accessible if you’re not sure where to begin practicing mindfulness.

5. Consider counselling

Seeing a therapist can be helpful if you’re having trouble controlling your emotions or putting an end to the name-calling. A skilled therapist can provide you with a wealth of tools and techniques to help you better understand your triggers and healthily regulate your emotions.

Final Thoughts

Name-calling does severe harm to relationships. One of the main objectives of a relationship is to establish a safe place. It should be a place where you feel free to move around, express your emotions, talk about difficult subjects, and be your real, vulnerable self. The main lesson about name-calling in relationships is ‘avoid doing it’.