Toxic Relationships. Warning signs we all should know!

A toxic relationship contaminates your happiness and the way you see yourself. Not all relationships begin toxic, but many turn out to be. It can be the action of one person or both parties. A toxic person will float through life leaving a trail of broken hearts, relationships and people. A toxic relationship is ‘characterised by insecurity, self-centeredness, dominance and control’. It is possible to be in a bad relationship without knowing, so here are some warning signs that your relationship is sour.

Social Criticism

A partner who is finding all the small things about you that they consider to be wrong or bad offering opinionated suggestions for what you need to improve while not supporting your interests and aspirations is definitely toxic. This is why it is so important to not let go of friends or family as they are the people who will support you unconditionally and judgement free.

Personal Criticism

Someone who regularly negatively comments saying things like ‘why are you going out again, you went out yesterday?’, ‘why are you wearing that?’, ‘Take off your makeup you look like a doll’ and ‘I don’t like that’ isn’t a person you want to be surrounding yourself with. The toxic and negative energy of this person will break down your confidence and self-esteem. You begin to question what you can do to make them happy and how you can change yourself. Your constant efforts to bring them happiness generally makes you forget about your own; you lose self-care and self-love. Remember your worth and stand up for yourself don’t let there needs for control and dominance effect your happiness and well-being.

The Butterflies Are Gone

Remember when your relationship was fresh, and you got butterflies at the thought of your partner. You were excited to come home and cuddle on the couch drinking wine and eating pizza. Or was it that long ago since you felt that you don’t remember the butterflies. When you aren’t excited to come home, and you know all your going to hear is snobby comments that is a clear indication of a very unhealthy relationship. Coming home to your partner at the end of the day shouldn’t have to feel like a burden it should be what you are most looking forward to.

You’re Waiting for a Change

You experience a lot of false hope! Maybe you have confronted them about how you feel, and they have given you the ‘I’ll change speech’. The fact of the matter is they shouldn’t have to promise to change because their behaviours shouldn’t be that way. A lot of the behaviours that make relationships toxic would be deal breakers for a healthy relationship. Remember this! People cannot easily change the way they are wired to be. That speech your partner gave you probably only lasted a week. Am I right? To simplify it, you stay with them in hopes that your partner will stop the hurtful actions causing you stress. The truth is 9 times out of 10 they will revert back to their old behaviours.

Your loved Ones are Concerned

A big red flag is when your closest friends and family can see a change in you. When your peers are able to see a difference in your behaviour and mood, its time you start weighing out the pros and cons. No person has to right to have control over your well-being and emotions other then you. Understandably, those in toxic relationship generally get very defensive and dismiss any remarks made, because most people are willing to accept the situation they are in.

Photo Used: George Mayer 'Light. Shadows. Perfect woman'