Are You In A Toxic Relationship? 7 Screaming Signs To Notice
chaitra krishnanMA (Journalism & Mass Communication) Experience: 5 yearsChaitra has a triple main bachelor’s degree in journalism, communicative English, and economics from St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from St... more
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Love is blind — we’ve often heard this saying. But there are many among us who have experiences the downside of blind love. When we fall in love, our partner is the most beautiful person to us, inside out. Even if they hurt you, and not give you an explanation or apology, you somehow make up those things in your mind. Yes, you get all creative and kind during the wrong situations and fill in the big crates he/she makes in your heart. Even if your relationship wasn’t a toxic one before and you’re not dating a toxic person, after a few months, it turns into something poisonous. You may not realize that things have changed because you’re so in love with your partner. Or in worst-case scenarios, you know that it’s all wrong but you don’t react, because you don’t want to lose the person or do anything to jeopardize your relationship. So, you end up consoling yourself or sink in a swamp full of self-loathing and pity.
This is wrong and being in a toxic relationship can literally drain you out. However, there are chances that you’re over-thinking and that you’re just facing regular couple problems. So, how do you differentiate between the two situations? Well, don’t worry because we’re here to help you. Below are seven signs to notice if you feel that you’re in a toxic relationship. Read on to know more.
1. All Take And No Give
You give, give, give, and then give some more. We know that you love your partner even though they sometimes make you feel that they don’t love you as much. You plan their birthday parties, surprise them with sweet gestures, go out of your way to help them with their tasks, and take care of them in every other way. But do you think they do the same for you? If not as much as you, at least half of it? We’re not talking about expensive gifts or fancy candlelight dinners. Do you think your partner takes the effort to make you happy? If not, stop giving everything you have and talk to them about how they make you feel.
2. Verbal/ Emotional/ Sexual/ Physical Abuse
Any kind of abuse is a big NO in every relationship. If your partner abuses you verbally, emotionally, or physically it’s a clear cut sign that you are in a toxic relationship. Sexual abuse can also happen in a relationship even if you are married. If the lovemaking is not consensual, it’s abuse — even if you are married to the person. Marriage or commitment doesn’t give anyone the right to own you and force you to endure things that you don’t want to. Try taking your partner to a counselor or attend a couple counseling together. And if you think that your partner doesn’t deserve this chance, just drop everything and move on.
3. Non-stop Narcissism
Narcissism is when a person feels like they are entitled to everything. They feel that they are righteous and knowledgeable in a blind way. They are so into themselves that they cannot stand criticism or someone else outshining them. One of the key features of a narcissist is that they always want someone to feed on, someone to ensure them that they are great. If you are this person, you will find yourself low on confidence and always self-doubting.
4. Filled With Criticism
Criticism is good only if it’s constructive. If your partner keeps picking on everything you do and judge every breath of yours, you are definitely in a toxic relationship. We’re sure it will drive you crazy in the long run. Also, you’d feel like a doormat after a while and you’ll seek constant affirmation from your partner. You need to break this wheel if you love yourself.
5. Dishonesty
A relationship filled with lies (even if they are small ones) isn’t healthy. Pair this with big fat lies and infidelity, you’ve gotten yourself into a whirlwind of emotional trauma. Dishonesty is the worst thing that can happen in a relationship. Do not put up with a dishonest partner no matter how much you love them.
6. Feeling Low/ Drained All The Times
Since you’ve been giving and getting nothing except negative things in return, you feel sad, drained out, and frustrated. You being the strong and caring heart endures all the pain and keeps moving forward for the sake of your relationship which once was a fairytale for you. We admit that it’s heartbreaking, but you need to get out of this situation.
7. Too Many Restrictions
If your partner poses too many restrictions on you, they are too possessive and do not trust you at all, you’ve got to talk to them. Sometimes these things can be deep-rooted in your partner’s mind. In such cases, seek the help of a counselor. And even after then, if your partner restricts your personal space and growth, choose what’s good for your peace of mind.
Losing someone we love sucks. But losing yourself while putting up with a toxic partner is the worst. Always remember to put yourself and your peace of mind before anyone else. We hope that this article helps you to understand the things that have been going wrong in your relationship and that you’ll make an informed decision to make things better.
If you have already been in a toxic relationship, how did you deal with it? Share your experience with us in the comments below.
