No relationship is perfect, but some are even dangerous to your well-being with obvious signs; those are the ones we call toxic. Toxic relationships are just as bad as they sound because, at the end of the day, you end up worse than you started.
When things are going badly in an otherwise good relationship, there are always signs that act as indicators. Likewise, when a relationship becomes toxic and unhealthy, some signs serve as warning bells, but not many actually hear them.
By definition, toxic relationships are relationships characterized by behaviors from the toxic partner that are emotionally and sometimes physically damaging to the other partner. Just as the name connotes, a toxic relationship will break down the victimized partner in the end of the day.
For the most part, people who fall victim to it have an inkling of the damage that is being done to them, but for reasons such as dependency, deep affection, sex, or financial gain, they usually remain in the relationship.
The signs are usually in plain sight, but maybe because they are actually so easy to spot, they are overlooked or explained away. If any of these are happening to you, then you need to act fast.
1. Manipulation and control
Are you in a relationship where your partner wants to control your finances, social life, or lifestyle choices? Your partner may even twist situations, guilt-trip you, play the victim, or make you feel responsible for their bad behavior. These are signs of manipulation and control.
2. Feeling drained
The lack of balance in the roles of both partners eventually leads to a feeling of being drained by the one who is giving. This is usually because no matter what they do, the toxic partner can never be satisfied.
Relationships are generally all about sharing: giving love and getting it back, giving time and getting it back, and giving attention and it being reciprocated. In a toxic relationship, the giving is always one-sided, leading to a lack of balance that ultimately ruins the giver.
3. Lack of trust
Someone once said a relationship without trust is like a car without fuel; it is going nowhere. Excessive jealousy, possessiveness, suspicion, accusations, or checking your phone without permission creates an unhealthy environment.
4. A hostile atmosphere
A relationship where anger, fighting, and arguments are constantly present is a toxic one. One or both partners will soon feel unsafe in such a situation, leading to resentment. With the constant bad energy lurking in a toxic relationship, communication becomes defective. Eventually, both partners just try to avoid talking to each other because only hurtful things will be said.
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5. Constant criticism, belittling, and abuse
It is okay to correct your partner or for your partner to correct you, but when it becomes judgmental and frequent, then you need to watch it. If your relationship makes you feel less about yourself and your worth as a person, if you are constantly mocked and belittled, it might just be that you are in a toxic relationship.
6. Lack of support
Your partner should celebrate your growth and encourage your dreams. In a toxic relationship, they may belittle or disregard your goals, feel threatened by your success, or show no interest in your ambition.
7. Constant lying
A relationship where constant lying, cheating, broken promises, or secretive behavior is the order of the day damages trust and creates emotional instability, which may eventually lead to betrayal.