Toxic, unhealthy, bad – they are all the same. This type of relationship is a union between two unhappy individuals. It’s a kind of relationship that can destroy those involved. It is comparable to cancer that slowly destroys the healthy parts of you – emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically.
Toxic relationships vary; it may or may not involve abuse. However, all toxic relationships are cyclical. There will be a honeymoon period, a blow out, reconciliation then back to honeymoon.
To help you recognize whether you are in this type of relationship, here are 6 signs that you should watch out for.
1. The relationship is somewhat abusive.
Okay, let’s first talk about the elephant in the room – an issue that no one wants to talk about or most of the time, deny. Whether it’s verbal or physical, any form of abuse obviously means that you are in a toxic relationship. No need to elaborate on that. If you want to know the different types of abuse in a relationship, read this article that I wrote in the past.
2. There is criticism and disrespect.
Respect is an important pillar of a happy and successful relationship. When you truly love your partner, you should respect him or her. No one is perfect and there is nothing wrong with criticism as long as it is positive constructive. But when these criticisms are addressed to make fun of you and make you feel worthless and unvalued – that is so wrong. It’s very alarming too when your partner criticizes you in front of friends and family or in public.
3. Too much jealousy.
Jealousy will happen and it’s normal. But when it becomes excessive and obsessive, that’s not healthy anymore. Too much jealousy can lead to too much control to the point where the “victim” cannot do anything for him or herself anymore.
4. You are scared of your partner.
Fear is a sign that you are not in a healthy relationship. You are with the person you love and there is no reason to fear him or her. So if there is already fear involved in your relationship, then that will warn you that it’s already toxic.
5. There is negativity all the time.
When you always feel tensed, stressed or uncomfortable around your partner, it means that your body naturally reacts negatively. Negativity can drain you mentally, emotionally and physically, you don’t want that right?
6. You are not happy anymore.
At the end of the day, it’s all about happiness. If you are not happy with yourself and with your relationship anymore, accept that you need to move on from the toxic relationship. Obviously, being happy everyday is impossible. There is no perfect relationship. But as a whole, your partner should make you feel complete and happy despite all the challenges thrown into your relationship.
If you see these signs in your relationship, I guess it’s about time to let go and escape it. I know it’s not going to be easy. So watch out for my next article, because I will be talking about different ways that can help you get out of this toxic mess.
