In interpersonal relationships, there is a phenomenon known as "benching", which refers to when a person keeps someone on the "bench" or in reserve, without giving them attention or emotional commitment. it deserves. This situation can be confusing and painful for the person being benched, as it can make them feel insecure, anxious, and question their worth in the relationship.
What is Benching?
"Benching" is an emotionally manipulative strategy that some people use in their relationships to keep someone interested in them, but without becoming emotionally involved. This practice is characterized by providing the affected person with small doses of attention and affection, interspersed with periods of silence and distancing.
In the digital age in which we live, "benching" has become even more common through social networks and messaging applications, where a person can keep someone on their contact list, like them or comment on posts intermittently, without ever delving into the relationship. significantly.
How Do You Know If You Are Being Benched?
Identifying if you are being a victim of "benching" can be complicated, since the person who is doing it Cabo may alternate between being interested and distant in subtle ways. However, there are clear signs that can indicate that you are being "benched" in a relationship:
- Intermittent communication: If the person only communicates with you sporadically, without establishing meaningful conversations or showing interest in your life.
- Constant excuses: If the person always has an excuse for not being able to see you or spend time together, thus avoiding becoming emotionally committed with you.
- Superficial interaction: If the interactions are superficial and are limited to brief comments on social networks or generic messages without delving into important topics.
- Conflicting signals: If the person shows interest at specific times, but then disappears or appears distant for no apparent reason.
Psychological Impact of Benching
Experiencing benching in a relationship can have a significant impact on the emotional and psychological health of the person affected. Some of the psychological consequences of being "bencheado" include:
- Anxiety: Uncertainty and emotional instability can generate anxiety in the affected person, who You constantly question whether you are important enough to the other person.
- Low self-esteem: Feeling relegated and not valued can undermine the self-esteem of the "bencheado" person, making them feel inadequate and unwanted.
- Emotional dependence: Intermittence in attention and affection can create emotional dependence in the affected person, who constantly seeks approval and validation from the person. another person.
- Doubts about the relationship: The lack of clarity and commitment in the relationship can lead the affected person to question the authenticity of the other person's feelings and the viability of the relationship.
What to do if you suspect you are being benched?
If you think you are being a victim of benching in a relationship , it is important to take measures to protect your emotional and psychological well-being. Below are some recommendations to address this situation:
1. Communicate your Feelings
Express your concerns and feelings to the other person clearly and honestly. Communicate how their behavior makes you feel and ask what they expect from the relationship.
2. Establish Limits
If the person continues to keep you in a state of uncertainty and distance, it is important that you establish healthy limits to protect your emotional well-being. Don't settle for crumbs of attention.
3. Prioritize your Well-being
Focus on taking care of yourself and strengthening your self-esteem and worth regardless of the attention you receive from others. Find activities that make you feel good about yourself and surround yourself with people who value your presence.
4. Evaluate the Relationship
Reflect on the relationship and evaluate if it is really healthy and satisfying for you. If the other person doesn't show genuine interest in establishing a meaningful connection, it may be time to rethink the relationship.
5. Seek Support
Don't be afraid to seek emotional support from friends, family, or mental health professionals. Sharing your feelings and receiving outside guidance can help you process the situation and make healthy decisions for yourself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, benching is an emotionally damaging practice that It can undermine the self-esteem and emotional well-being of the affected person. Identifying the signs that you are being "banned" and taking steps to address the situation are essential steps to protecting your mental and emotional health in a relationship.
Remember that you deserve a relationship based on love. respect, reciprocity and authenticity, where your feelings and needs are valued and cared for. Don't allow them to keep you on the bench in a relationship, you deserve to be the protagonist in your own emotional life.