When we think of toxic relationships, most of us immediately think of a romantic relationship. While romance can often be the most toxic of relationships, there are many other types of toxic relationships that can exist. People in our lives can be toxic for many reasons, from pitting one person against another, taking advantage of a person’s trust, or simply needing to be the center of attention. In this article, we will discuss 6 signs that you may be in a toxic relationship. We’ll explain what to look for in order to recognize whether the relationship is truly toxic and how to get the support that you need to make the best decisions for yourself.
Sign #1: Lack or Excessive Control
One of the hallmark signs of a toxic relationship is the lack or excessive control one person has over the other. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including always wanting to know where the other person is, needing to know their daily schedule, or emotionally manipulating them into doing what they want. This type of control is especially dangerous, as it can lead to a person feeling powerless or like they have no control over their own life. If you find yourself in a relationship where you feel as though the control is not balanced and you are not able to make decisions for yourself, then this is a warning sign that you may be in a toxic relationship.
Sign #2: Constant Criticism
When the other person in a relationship constantly criticizes you, it can be a sign of a toxic relationship. This criticism can come in many forms, from nit-picking every tiny detail of what you say or do to constantly making you feel like you are never good enough for them. If you find yourself constantly walking on eggshells around the other person in the relationship and never feeling like you can do anything right in their eyes, then this is a major warning sign that you may be in a toxic relationship.
Sign #3: Winner/Loser Mentality
If the other person in the relationship always makes it seem like there are only winners and losers when it comes to the relationship, this is a major sign that the relationship is toxic. They will make it seem like they are always the “winner” and that you are always the “loser,” no matter what the situation may be. This can create a sense of competition between the two of you, which can lead to a decreased level of trust in the relationship. If you feel as though the other person is always trying to compete with you and prove that they are superior to you, then this is a sign that the relationship may not be healthy.
Sign #4: Emotional Unavailability
If the other person in the relationship is often emotionally unavailable, then this is a sign that the relationship may be toxic. This could mean that they are not supportive of your feelings and ideas, or that they do not listen when you try to talk to them about what is bothering you. People in healthy relationships are able to be emotionally available for one another, which means that they can both be present to listen and share their thoughts and feelings. If the other person in the relationship is not emotionally available, it can leave you feeling unsupported and alone.
Sign #5: One Person’s Needs First
In many toxic relationships, one person’s needs are always put before the other’s. This means that the other person will only care about their needs and may ignore the needs of the other person or try to control or manipulate them into doing what they want. This kind of behavior can be extremely damaging and can lead to a lack of respect, trust, and communication in the relationship. If you find yourself in a relationship where you are always putting the other person’s needs before yours, even when it is not beneficial for you, then this is a sign that the relationship may be toxic.
Sign #6: Non-Stop Drama
In many toxic relationships, the other person will stir up drama or disagreements to get their way. They may do this to create a distraction from their own behavior or to simply make themselves feel more powerful in the relationship. If the other person always seems to be creating drama and disagreements, this is a sign that the relationship may be toxic.
Final Thought
Toxic relationships can be damaging to both parties involved and should not be taken lightly. It is important to keep an eye out for these warning signs and to seek help if you are in a relationship that is causing you distress. Remember, it is always best to take care of yourself and to get out of any relationship that is not healthy or beneficial to you. No matter what, always remember that you deserve to be respected and treated with love and kindness.