Why Do We Stay in Relationships That Don't Work?

Summary: For 15 years, a man drove an hour across town to see his doctor because he felt ashamed of his HIV diagnosis. His doctor often rushed him and didn't even explain that his HIV medicine was causing him to gain a lot of weight. One day, while watching a romantic comedy TV show with his mom, he heard a quote about being worthy of good relationships. He realized this meant his doctor, too!

He finally spoke up for himself and found a new, supportive doctor just 10 minutes away. His new doctor listened, explained his medicine's side effects, and made a plan to help him get his health back on track. Sometimes we stay in bad situations—even with our doctors—because we don't believe we deserve better. Speaking up for yourself is the best way to prove your own self-worth.

For more details, see rssapp-psychologytoday-com at psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lgbtq-affirmative-psychology/202605/why-do-we-stay-in-relationships-that-dont-work (opens in new tab)