Toxic Relationships: How Do You Know?
A toxic relationship is bad. That is the simplest of way to sum up toxic relationships, but somehow they are so much more than that. Looking from the outside in, it is easy to spot a toxic relationship, but it it’s not so easy when it’s your toxic relationship that is in question.
Human relationships are notoriously hard and there will always be conflicts. A toxic relationship separates itself from these relationships by becoming a breeding ground for physical and emotional damage that may not become apparent until something drastic happens.
How Do I know If I have A Toxic Relationship?
Labeling somebodies relationship as toxic relationship is something that is very insulting and could cause the person stuck in the relationship to become defensive. Instead of seeming like you are judging them, ask them if they are happy in their relationship and gently point out some of the signs of a toxic relationship. Some of the symptoms of a toxic relationship include:
• Physical Violence: It might seem that it goes without saying that a relationship is a toxic relationship when it comes to domestic violence, but for some people it is not that clear. If you or your loved ones are constantly making farfetched excuses for unexplained bruises, scrapes, and other injuries, this may be a sign that there are underlying problems and they may be trapped in a toxic relationship.
• Accusing: A sure sign of a good relationship is trust. A telltale sign of a toxic relationship is constantly question a partner’s whereabouts and throwing around accusatory statements. A healthy relationship provides for trust and understanding and should never come to constantly worrying if the other person will believe you, but in a toxic relationship, this is common place. If you or a friend are afraid to leave the house for fear of what their partner might think, this might be a sign of a toxic relationship.
• Privacy: To go along with trust, privacy is another concern in a toxic relationship. If your significant other is constantly snooping through your phone or e-mail, this may be a sign of a toxic relationship. Constantly demanding to know who you ate lunch with or who you are talking to on the phone is another way of limiting your privacy and is a perfect example of a toxic relationship.
• Mentally Unstable: While not mental disorders are necessarily the sign of a toxic relationship, in instances where your partner threatens to commit suicide if you leave him are. This behavior is a control mechanism designed to keep you feeling repressed and afraid to speak out. A toxic relationship like this is one of the most damaging and you may need to seek professional help before attempting to leave.
How To Get Out Of A Toxic Relationship
When trying to get out a toxic relationship, know you don’t have to go it alone. Lean on the support of friends, family, neighbors, co-workers—really anybody who will listen. In some circumstances, it may not be a simple to leave the relationship as one might think. In the cases of a toxic marriage, be sure to seek a good Oklahoma City divorce attorney to help you sort out your life.
No matter what the symptoms of a toxic relationship you might be experiencing, it is best to talk to somebody about your troubles first. A good friend should be able to help you put your problems in perspective and help you get out from under a toxic relationship.