Relationships are hard, whether they are romantic relationships, friendships, or family relationships. Unfortunately, that is a fact.
However, there is a fine line between struggling to make a relationship work, and holding a toxic relationship. Struggling and working for a relationship is normal and healthy. Genuine relationships require time and effort. As soon as the relationship endangers you and your partner, the relationship has become toxic.
Toxicity in relationships comes in different extents. Sometimes it's obvious, and sometimes it isn't. But either way it needs to be addressed. You deserve to have healthy, happy relationships! Here are six tell-tale warning signs to help you determine if your relationship might be dangerous to you:
If they ever make you feeling guilty for your emotions or expressing your emotions, they are toxic.
When someone guilt-trips you for having feelings, they do not respect you. People who respect you will recognize and validate your feelings, helping you deal with them.
If they ever make you feel like you are hard to love, they are toxic.
You are good enough and you deserve to feel so. If they act like it is a chore to love you or that you should be lucky they love you, you will always surround yourself with self doubt and self criticism. You are an amazing individual and you deserve to be loved.
If they are overly jealous or controlling, they are toxic.
Jealousy might be nice at first, typically it shows the other person cares. However, if you start to feel like you have to explain everything you do to them and constantly reassure them of your affections, you will start to lose sight of yourself and being around them will become exhausting. The only thing that's cute about this problem is the comic.
If you are constantly taking care of them, they are toxic.
Everyone has their ups and downs, but if it always feels like they need you to fix them, you need to take a step back. Always trying to fix someone else is exhausting and brings you down with them, especially when they keep going right back down again. Support those you love, but do not let them drag you into ignoring yourself in order to build them back up again.
If you feel scared to be with them or stand up to them, they are toxic.
You should not feel unsafe from someone who claims to love you. Ever. This does not just go for physical violence.
If you never seem to know where you stand with them, they are toxic.
Even if they are truly confused about how they feel about you, you do not deserve mind games. They need to make up their mind or leave. Yes, there is a middle ground where you both acknowledge their wavering feelings; however, this can become very complicated and only works if you both are completely honest and respectful. But no matter what, you deserve to know where you stand with someone and what your relationship actually is. You do not deserve to be confused, hurt, or led on. Those who respect you will clearly highlight their intentions.
If these signs seem familiar to you or you want to learn more about toxic relationships and how to deal with them, check out these helpful articles. The first article talks about what a toxic person really is and what to do about it. The second article lays out the different types of toxic relationships.
Remember: you deserve to be happy and loved!
