Five Signs of a Toxic Relationship artwork
Mental Health Training

Five Signs of a Toxic Relationship

  • S4E171
  • 02:44
  • November 10th 2021

5 Signs of a Toxic Relationship

Sometimes it can be hard to know if you are involved in a toxic relationship or not. If that is the case, then it's time to look for the following five signs because if you see them in your relationship, then it might be toxic.

1. Social Isolation

A partner or a friend that criticizes your other friends or family might be doing so to isolate you from them. They do this because they want more attention from you or don't want to share you with other people in your life that might be important. It also helps them to be able to control you better because it will be more difficult for you to leave when they are your only support system. 

2. They Try to Change You

Whether it's a friend or a partner, they should be with you because they like being with you. They shouldn't try to change you or talk down to the things that make you unique. A healthy relationship will always be one of support and encouragement, while an unhealthy one will tell you everything you are doing wrong. 

3. There is Jealousy

Whenever a relationship has a lot of jealousy, it is never a healthy thing. If you or your partner are jealous of the time you spend with other people or jealous of things the other gets to do, then this is not a good sign. The relationship is likely toxic because neither of you feels confident just being yourself. 

4. The Relationship is all About What Makes Them, Happy

The thing about toxic relationships is, they are usually one-sided. One person in the relationship gets everything they want, while the other feels ignored or unimportant. The problem is that the person's ego is so big that they won't see that they are ignoring the things that make you happy. 

5. The Relationship Means Everything to You

When you are in a healthy relationship, you will maintain outside friendships and have time with family. In a toxic relationship, the partner will be your everything. This is by design because it makes it easier for them to control you and harder for you to leave. It also makes it easier to get their way. This is the number one sign that a relationship is toxic.

Overall, if you see one or more of these signs in your current relationship, then it could be toxic. Since toxic relationships rarely get better on their own, it is probably better for you to begin to look for help to leave the relationship. 

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