It can be a lot more challenging to get out of a toxic relationship once you have become deeply ingrained in it. For this reason, it is essential to have an understanding of what toxic relationships are and how to recognize them at the earliest possible time.
There is a possibility that the relationship you are in at the moment is unhealthy for you. Check out this list if you want to learn how to tell if you are in a toxic relationship as well as how to determine if you are currently in one.
What is a toxic relationship?
Toxic relationships are often characterized by certain behaviors that, at first, may appear normal but, with time, become problematic if they are not addressed. If these behaviors are allowed to go unchecked, the toxic relationship will likely continue to worsen. In any case, this kind of behavior is unhealthy for both parties involved.
What are the signs of a toxic relationship?
A relationship is considered to be toxic when either one or both of the persons in it are a negative influence on the other person. Toxic relationships can involve physical abuse and emotional abuse.
If you want to know for sure if you’re in a relationship that’s toxic for you, consider the following red flags.
Bad communication
Toxic communication is generally vague or indirect. It can involve being triggered and criticizing the person instead of gently communicating their feelings. Or they become defensive and deny or shift blame.
It is also considered a form of toxic communication when a person fully cuts off communication with their partner by doing nothing more than ignoring them.
Another example of toxic communication is when one person repeatedly teases or mocks their partner, rolls their eyes, or is extremely sarcastic. Through these, they subject their partner to emotional and mental abuse.
Walking on Eggshells
In a healthy relationship, partners can communicate openly and honestly without fear of judgment. Lying to avoid confrontation or criticism is another indicator of an unhealthy relationship. This characterizes someone who fears offending their partner even when they have nothing to worry about.
If there are things that worry you but don’t bother them, like the fact that they never clean up after themselves, and they always notice when something is wrong with you but never with them (or if they do see it won’t bother them), this may not be the ideal long-term fit for both of you.
Ignorance of the other’s needs
If your partner makes you feel unimportant or becomes frustrated when they don’t meet their goals and take you as an outlet, the relationship may be toxic.
Suppose your partner continuously tells you or makes you feel that they don’t care about what you want or don’t think anything matters to you. In that case, they aren’t providing you the respect and consideration that everyone deserves.
Makes you feel bad about yourself
In a toxic relationship, your partner is doing things to you designed to make you feel bad about yourself. They might be calling you names or criticizing your appearance, or maybe they’re just making fun of your hobbies and interests. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to remember that this isn’t about YOU; it’s about them being insecure and making themselves feel better by putting you down.
Being in a dysfunctional role
You’ve lost yourself. You feel like you’ve given up all your independence, and now you’re just following along with whatever your partner says or does. You don’t have any say in the relationship anymore; it’s not an equal partnership.
Also, if you find yourself doing things like covering up your partner’s lies or trying to make them look good in front of friends, then this is a red flag. You should never have to put someone else’s needs above your own.
Overly jealous or lack of trust
You don’t feel safe. If your partner doesn’t trust that you are faithful, they constantly check your phone, read emails and texts, and interrogate you about where you’ve been and who you’ve seen. They’re continually accusing you of cheating.
Your partner is jealous or lacks trust in you. If your partner doesn’t trust you or gets jealous over the tiniest things, this can lead to bigger problems down the road—and can wreck your relationships with long-time friends or coworkers! It’s important to let people know what’s okay for them to do and what isn’t.
When it comes to trust, over-jealousy can be a red flag. Suppose your partner is constantly accusing you of cheating or being unfaithful without any evidence. In that case, it may be time to reevaluate whether they really trust you at all.
Final Thoughts
If these signs describe your current or past relationship, it’s time to reevaluate how you are moving forward from here to a life God intended for you.
Toxic relationships are a serious thing. If you’re in one, it can feel like your partner is slowly poisoning you. You may feel like you’re losing control of your own life and emotions, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
Find hope and healing through my FREE healing guide that can help you regain your relationship with yourself and your belief in love through Christ.
This consists of advice that can help you get through this difficult time and emerge from it better than you were before.
<Click here to claim your FREE healing guide now>
Yours in healing
Coree
