Friendships and relationships are among life’s greatest joys. They can provide comfort, happiness, and fulfillment. But if you’ve ever experienced a toxic relationship, you know how quickly it can bring you down. Any relationship goes through the standard ups and downs, but a toxic one is bad all the time, and you are left a shell of your once happy self. So, what exactly classifies as a toxic situation? According to the One Love Foundation, there are 10 major signs of a toxic relationship, including romantic partners and friendships. Read on to find out more.
Signs of a Toxic Relationship
- Intensity: Your partner may express extreme feelings, whether they are happy, sad, or angry. For example, they could rush you into moving forward in the relationship even though you are not ready, or they could be obsessive about spending time with you.
- Possessiveness: Does your partner need to know where you are at all times? Do they need to know who you are with and what you are doing every moment? This is possessiveness, and it is an unhealthy repercussion of a toxic relationship.
- Deflecting Responsibility: Everything that happens is never their fault. An argument, a mishap, a misunderstanding – they never take responsibility for their words or actions.
- Manipulation: Anything used to gain power over another person is manipulation. It could be holding something over your head or using your words against you. Gaslighting is a common form of manipulation.
- Isolation: If your partner keeps you from seeing your friends and family, you may begin to feel isolated.
- Sabotage: Toxic people set you up to fail. Instead of raising you up, they break you down. Don’t count on things going smoothly for that upcoming interview. they’ll have you up late the night before arguing about something.
- Belittling: Belittling can be something as big as name-calling or as small as a snide comment here and there. But all of this can lead to bad self-image and low self-esteem.
- Guilting: Guilting is persuading you to do something you don’t want to because you feel bad. It’s also another way to exert power over you.
- Volatility: If you feel like you are walking on eggshells all the time, it is because of your partner’s volatility.
- Betrayal: Your partner may break your trust over and over again.
Ways to Leave a Toxic Relationship
Now that you’ve identified a toxic relationship, the next step is to get out. Of course, it’s easier said than done. Here are a few steps to help you on your way.
- Rely on family and friends: A well-rounded support system is exactly what you need to navigate this difficult time.
- Make a plan: decide what to do and write it down if necessary.
- Stand firm: Stick to your decision.
- Practice self-care: Take time to be alone and think.
- See your therapist: Talking to a professional is a great way to gain perspective, and they may have specific advice on your personal situation.
- Go no contact: If things get really bad go no contact. This means unfollowing on social media, as well as blocking texts and calls.
Christina Montoya Fiedler
Christina Montoya Fiedler is a news writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She’s a mom, wife, blogger, former publicist, lima bean hater, and coffee drinker extraordinaire — but not necessarily in that order. You can follow her on Twitter @cmf2009.
