Oh boy, do I know the signs of a toxic relationship. I mean, we learn from experience, right?
I remember being with my abusive ex-boyfriend, in tears, thinking to myself, “Is my relationship toxic?“
And, of course, I knew the answer. I knew the whole time. But my self-esteem and self-worth were so low, that I didn’t think I could find someone else who loved me. I thought this was the best I could get. Sad, right?
But I’m not the only one who has been in a situation like this. I’m one out of millions of men and women. However, I was able to grow from the experience and learn my worth.
So, if you’re reading this, there’s a chance that you’re not feeling good about your relationship. If you’re asking yourself, is my relationship toxic? It’s time to know the signs.
So, here are the signs of a toxic relationship.
What is a Toxic Relationship?
Before I show you the signs of a toxic relationship, it’s important we get on the same page. So, what is a toxic relationship?
A toxic relationship is a relationship that has you feeling unsupported and unsafe.
It’s a relationship that makes you feel worse than better. You’re emotional, mental, and physical well-being is attacked and slowly being destroyed.
Signs of a Toxic Relationship
After reading what a toxic relationship is, is the question “Is my relationship toxic?” becoming a little clear?
Well, now it’s time to know the signs of a toxic relationship. From there, you can put the pieces of the puzzle together.
Use love as an excuse for jealousy
If your partner is getting angry or jealous when you talk to another person, that’s one of the biggest signs of a toxic relationship.
Not only is it toxic, but it’s also a red flag that it has the potential to become violent.
If your partner wants to look through your emails, follows you around, or shows up announced, that’s a serious problem.
They make passive-aggressive moves
A healthy relationship consists of two people sharing their thoughts and feelings with one another, whether they’re good or bad.
If you’re not feeling good about something, it’s important to share how you feel with your partner.
However, if your communication is based on passive-aggressiveness, it’s clear you have a communication issue. You two aren’t comfortable speaking openly with one another. You two don’t feel safe in the relationship.
You’re to blame for everything
We all have arguments with our partners, it’s normal. But one of the signs of a toxic relationship is when you’re blamed for everything.
Your partner doesn’t take any accountability for their actions and it’s all on you.
Use gifts as the solution
Who doesn’t like a nice gift from our partner? Of course, we like gifts. But there’s a time and a place for that.
If you’ve had a disagreement with your partner or they’ve done something hurtful, they need to talk about it with you and resolve the conflict.
But, if they’re avoiding the talk and instead, buying you gifts in hopes of moving past the situation – that’s not good.
What’s happening is that the conflict isn’t being addressed, it’s being swept under the rug. And what happens afterward? Your feelings continue to go unaddressed and the toxicity continues to build.
You’re exhausted
This relationship has you feeling like a 90-year-old woman, rather than someone who’s in a healthy and happy relationship.
If you want to answer, is my relationship toxic? look at how you feel when you’re around them. Your body will give you the answer.
One of the biggest signs of a toxic relationship is how you emotionally and mentally feel around them.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the signs of a toxic relationship isn’t so easy at first (especially if you’re in love with the person). But if your instinct is telling you that something isn’t right, listen to it.
To help understand whether you’re in a toxic relationship or not, consider a relationship counselling service.