Volatility occurs when a person overreacts when they are angry or has an uncontrollable temper.
Emotional regulation is an important tool for mental well-being and to establish healthy relationships. Volatility is a red flag. Some signs you (or someone you know) may have a volatile partner include:
One partner feeling the constant the need to walk on eggshells to avoid negative reactions from the other person.
Extreme ups and downs in the relationship - abusive language or irrational, violent outbursts, usually followed by a "honeymoon phase" in which everything seems to be back to normal... until the cycle starts again.
Overreacting to small things
Major mood swings
Losing control by getting violent, yelling, or threatening
Volatility is one of the strongest indicators that the behavior may escalate into physical abuse. If you observe these behaviors, it is best to remove yourself as quickly as possible. Click the button at the bottom of this post to form a safety plan and navigate out of your relationship before things get worse.
Our video series, That's What's Healthy, aims to educate people on the red flags of unhealthy relationships that pop up before the behavior escalates into abuse. Visit our YouTube channel or blog for more videos on red flags.