Have you ever been in a relationship that made you feel drained, unimportant, or even hurt? Have you ever felt like you were walking on eggshells around your partner, never knowing when they might lash out at you? If so, you might have been in a toxic relationship. 

Toxic relationships can take many forms, from romantic partnerships to friendships and even familial relationships. They are characterized by patterns of behavior that are harmful to one or both parties involved. These patterns often include manipulation, control, and emotional abuse.

It can be hard to recognize when you are in a toxic relationship, especially if you have been in it for a long time. Here are some signs to look out for:

– Your person is overly controlling or jealous.

– Your person frequently puts you down or belittles your accomplishments.

– Your person doesn’t respect your boundaries or feelings. 

– Your person tries to isolate you from friends and family. 

– Your person uses emotional blackmail or guilt to get their way. 

– Your person is physically or verbally abusive. 

– Thinking of this person consumes you in a negative way.
– You have an uncomfortable feeling around this person.

– ​​You are worried about getting in trouble with this person consistently.

– ​You experience an increase in either/both anxiolytic/depressive responses/ and/or somatic issues when faced with encountering this person. 

If you have experienced any of these behaviors, it’s important to seek help and support to get out of the toxic relationship. This can be easier said than done, especially if you have been in the relationship for a long time or if you have financial or emotional ties to your partner. 

One thing that can help is to understand the difference between an unhealthy relationship and a toxic one. Unhealthy relationships are characterized by behaviors that are not necessarily harmful but are still not conducive to a healthy relationship. Examples might include poor communication, lack of trust, or one partner being overly dependent on the other.

Toxic relationships, on the other hand, are characterized by behaviors that are actively harmful to one or both parties involved. These behaviors can take many forms, including emotional, verbal, and physical abuse. Toxic relationships are often characterized by a power imbalance, with one partner exerting control over the other. 

If you find yourself in a toxic relationship, the most important thing you can do is to seek help and support. This might mean talking to a therapist or counselor, reaching out to friends and family, or even contacting a helpline or support group. 

It’s also important to prioritize your own self-care and well-being. This might mean taking time for yourself, engaging in activities that make you happy, or finding ways to manage stress and anxiety. Ultimately, healing from a toxic relationship takes time and effort, but it is possible. By recognizing the signs of a toxic relationship, seeking help and support, and prioritizing your own self-care, you can begin to move forward and live your best life.