People who suffer from BPD experience a cycle of behavior in their romantic relationships. The BPD person is aware of this cycle and the behaviors they do that leads to the end of almost every relationship they have.
The BPD Relationship Cycle-
Stage 1-The BPD begins a relationship quickly, believing very fast that this person is ‘the one’, that they’re perfect.
Stage 2-The relationship progresses and the BPD person becomes hypersensitive to the smallest slight or perceived slight. The slights become a source of fixation for them, and their fear of abandonment plus their low self-esteem start telling them that their partner is no longer interested.
Stage 3-The BPD person’s goal becomes to create a scenario where their partner “fights” for the relationship and them, and demonstrates a new level of concern that removes the BPD’s previous worry.
Stage 4-A direct result of their purposely distancing themselves causes the relationship to spiral. The BPD convinces themself that their partner is going to leave them.
Stage 5-The relationship ends. The BPD person experiences extreme mood swings, from sadness to rage, and thinks that their former partner did not try hard enough. The emptiness and validated fear of abandonment become a source of their burning anger. They begin to lash out without provocation.
Stage 6-The BPD person has suicidal thoughts, behaviors, or attempts.
Ways to break the cycle-
-communication
-set boundaries
-seek professional assistance
The BPD Group 