Recently I left a relationship that had become dysfunctional.  It was full of micro-aggressions - communications to me that I was 'less than', unworthy, etc.  I had stayed in that relationship for quite awhile because I thought that the benefits outweighed the cost to me - even after I had begun to realize that the relationship was unhealthy.  Until it wasn't worth it anymore. 

Healthy relationships should include an ability to give the other feedback when they have crossed your boundaries.  Unhealthy relationships often include passive aggressive behaviors - in which the other person gives you mixed messages - verbal communications of agreement with strong undertones of disrespect, put-downs, etc. 

If, after being with somebody who you think is important in your life, you feel insecure, somehow smaller or less confident, and that happens over and over - rethink that relationship.  If you can start to change the way the two of you show support and correction towards each other - do it.  Make that relationship better, and don't expect the other person to quickly go along with you.  They have liked the power imbalance between you, and they are not willing to change it.  However, if you are truly important to them, they will accept your lead.  If they do not, and they simply want to keep up with the veiled hostility, lack of respect, mixed messages, etc - you have some tough choices ahead of you.

Sometimes it takes psychotherapy to help untangle what is going on in your dysfunctional relationship, and help you see what can be a healthier path for you to take.  Sometimes you can do the figuring out on your own.  The bottom line is that life is too short to stay in sucky relationships.  Have the courage to make a change.