Hannah Grace
Unlike a healthy relationship, toxic relationships involve a lot of negative attitudes and behavior. They overshadow all the good parts. Even people who are emotionally and mentally strong can experience them. Either love is blind, or personal issues explain why some don’t immediately recognize that their relationship is damaging them. A toxic relationship can include not only couples, but family members, colleagues, church mates, etc. How do you know if you’re in one? Here are a few signs:
One-sided Affection
You always give while they are always on the receiving end. You treat them well but they don’t do the same for you. Making excuses for their bad behavior can’t hide the fact that your partner is self-centered. This becomes worse when they don’t make a single effort to change. In the end, you’ll find yourself alone in your relationship.
Manipulation
True love doesn’t involve controlling another person–no one even has the right to do so. Still, we live in an imperfect world where this is a common occurrence. If someone constantly patronizes you and strips away your self-esteem, they are definitely manipulating you. You should have your freedom, not held down by their own desires.
Mistrust
A relationship can only go so far without mutual trust. It’s normal to be jealous but if your partner always thinks you’re doing something behind their back when they don’t see you, that’s a red flag. People with trust issues see betrayal when there’s none.
Keeping Score
They point out your flaws. They criticize you by your mistakes like they are perfect. You hurt because they bring back your past to use it against you. You might agree to what they say, forgetting that their words can’t define you.
Physical or Verbal Abuse
This should be a no-brainer, but for those who have gone through traumatic experiences, it is not. For instance, growing up in an abusive home may make someone immune enough to endure a similar situation. They may believe they deserve it and may even be subconsciously drawn towards such harm.
Passive-Aggressiveness
Instead of talking directly to you, they drop hints and wait until you figure them out. Most relationships suffer because of this. How can you know that you’ve upset the other person if they just express their feelings by playing petty mind games?
Dishonesty
It’s hard to be with someone who lies a lot. You can’t readily trust every word they say. You can call their bluff in your head even before they finish moving their mouth. Honesty is a vital part of any relationship.
More Arguments, Less Communication
Drama has become a normal theme. Your partner starts a fight more than initiating a conversation. You get used to it so you feel like giving up on ever having a calm atmosphere again when you’re together.
Changing Who You Are
If they really love you, they should accept you as you are. Trying to be someone else to please them is wrong no matter how you look at it. After all, one must love the person, not the mere idea of him or her.
You Feel Drained
Unhealthy relationships make you tired. Spending much time and energy on toxic people takes a toll on both our physical and mental health. Butterflies and self-care go out the window, leaving you helpless in your pain.
Indeed, being in a toxic relationship is hard. Getting out of it is even harder, especially if you’re already in too deep. However, you must remember that the person who needs your love the most is you. How can you love yourself if you don’t have the courage to leave anything that harms you? Before others can help you, you have to help yourself first. Accept your situation and set your mind to believe you deserve better. Moreover, if you’re determined but other reasons hold you down, don’t hesitate to look for help. Talk to your family, friends, acquaintances, or the proper authorities. There’s no need to feel ashamed. You’re not alone. Instead of crawling back to your corner, choose to be among the millions who stood up for themselves and are now living examples of self-love.
Can you relate? Share your thoughts below. We’d love to hear them!
