Relationships are a common thing in this world and we see many different types of relationships with a great number of different situations to follow. Some of them are far too perfect and some are not. It's that simple. We have all had our dose of bad relationships, but would we have the guts to call ittoxic?

Either we have been in one of these toxic relationships, or we have witnessed a friend or family member fall into them. It's an easy thing to do. All relationships start off great, and it's the process of figuring each other out, but eventually, it is realized whether or not they truly do walk on the moon, or if they are just really good actors. But, how can you tell if you're in a toxic or a healthy relationship?

Generalizing each relationship is still not an easy thing to do because every relationship is different. But how do you know? What are the major indicators that can be seen as a toxic relationship?

Characteristics of a Toxic Relationship:

In toxic relationships, you begin just like everyone else. The beginning is the process of getting to know everything about a person. Usually, once the relationship progresses is when an outsider or the person who feels mistreated will notice and seek a change in the relationship immediately.

Once more, I cannot speak for everyone else, but I strongly believe that no one wants to be mistreated, and if the world were slightly better, and people weren't damaged, then we probably wouldn't have the problem here. Here are some characteristics of a toxic relationship:

The romance is either dead or beyond one-sided.

There are far too many trust issues on either side. Passwords for social media can be included in this. If they figure them out and try to pinpoint things on your social media that look "oddly suspicious."

Emotions run high! This means, mentally unfit during the relationship because it's so horrible, altogether just emotionally unstable.

The fear of missing out on opportunities, because the person is holding you back. (Maybe they won't allow you to see your family, or they don't want you to go to college.)

Obviously, any form of abuse is toxic in any way, shape, or form and there is no excuse for it. Whether it be triggered from past trauma, or ultimately stimulated by substances that alter the mind, it is never OK.

Maybe the partner is self-centered or far too insecure that they try to make you feel bad about yourself (emotional, verbal, and/or mental abuse).

Substance abuse (drinking excessively or daily, and really anything else that alters the mind and judgment. Pressure or manipulation into participating in these acts as well is another form of abuse and force.

Now, not all relationships are perfect, but personally, I wouldn't want to deal with any of that. I have witnessed horrible relationships, and it's not pretty being the outsider looking in and seeing all of this stuff and the person (being harmed) claims that they love the person. That's painful.

Here are some characteristics of a healthy relationship:

Some of the healthier relationships may have way more characteristics than what I'm about to share with you, because not one relationship is perfect. There are always going to be obstacles, but ultimately it's about how you overcome them. The best thing I can say about healthy (or healthier) relationships is that regardless of how "perfect" or imperfect that they are, they always strive to be better with one another. They want to grow together.

So, here are some characteristics listed out for you:

In healthy relationships, romance is usually somewhat equal (sometimes it can be a little more one-sided, but that's OK) or the romance is still burning alive to the extreme (maybe they are both hopeless romantics) or until they are comfortable enough around each other (then romance kind of becomes a surprising game between the two).

The ability to communicate is crucial and essential in almost every relationship, without communicating, it can easily become a trainwreck. Also, the ability to trust one another. Trust and communication are key points to any functioning relationship.

Emotions are somewhat balanced out in the relationship.

There is no holding anyone back, they support one another in healthier relationships. They may not always be OK with each other's ideas, but if someone is passionate about something, I think it's a beautiful thing to support one another and really be their support system! (Be their biggest fan!!)

Rather than abuse, there is affection. Words of affirmation of the love they share. So, verbal, physical, and all kinds of affection.

Healthy relationships are pretty well-rounded, there is care to share. There is almost too much care going around! They don't manipulate one another, they share their care. Sharing is caring, guys!

All in all, they usually inhabit a healthy lifestyle. Whether it be a mentally stimulating relationship where they read books together, or they go to museums or they work out at the local gym together! They are communicators with one another and are able to express their wants and needs, and that in itself is a healthy lifestyle choice. Everything else just follows behind.

Don't find yourself stuck in an unhappy or unhealthy and toxic relationship. Life is far too short and don't let anyone hold you back from your full potential. Remember, you need a support system, not someone who makes you miss out on things!