10 Signs That You Are in a Toxic Relationship

Toxic Relationship

A toxic relationship is one where the negative aspects outweigh the positive, and where one or both partners engage in behaviors that are emotionally or physically damaging. It is not always simple for us to recognize when once-toxic love has changed. We may sometimes feel as if we deserve something more than this.

So we justify a few poor actions by saying they must result from a terrible day, Or maybe they did not intend it that way. But there is a distinction between the normal amount of tension that all relationships inevitably include and the telltale signs of a poisonous relationship. Here are ten red flags that a person's love for you is poisonous.

 1 They show unreasonable possessiveness and jealousy

The common misconception is that a partner's jealousy is an indication of how much they care about you. However, be cautious not to romanticize it too much. While there is some truth to the concept that jealousy results from a fear of losing your mate, it's a completely acceptable feeling to experience sometimes.

Because when your spouse begins to be constantly jealous and possessive of you, it indicates that they see you more as their possession than as a unique individual.

2 They behave in a passive-aggressive manner toward you

Does your spouse often give you the all-ahead to do something, such as go out with your friends instead of them, only to become hurt or unhappy when you do so? Do they overlook your transgressions just to turn around and criticize you the second you disagree with them? Or, rather than genuinely telling you what's wrong, use strategies like giving you the cold shoulder, withholding their love, or treating you with sarcasm?

In addition to being manipulative and controlling, these passive-aggressive behaviors also suggest that your partner may not have the emotional stability and communication skills necessary for a committed, lasting relationship. 

3 They may be struggling with codependency

It is characterized by a lack of boundaries and is most frequently caused by one partner's extreme fear of abandonment. Being in a codependent relationship drains you emotionally and harms your self-worth and sense of self. Codependency is continually needing to rescue your spouse from their own mistakes, solve all of their issues, and respond to all of their needs without ever expecting anything in return.

4 There is an unequal power dynamic

No matter how well someone may be at making you feel they love you through extravagant presents, poetic declarations, or big gestures if they consistently demand that you put their needs and wishes ahead of your own, then they are not actually in love with you.

They are solely interested in controlling you. They like having a voice in everything you do, making all your choices, and advising you on what is best for you. Therefore, if your spouse treats you disrespectfully or unappreciative, you may feel powerless in your relationship.

5 It constantly feels awful

You may now be wondering why someone would ever remain in a relationship that constantly makes them feel miserable. Why not just depart? Real life, however, is seldom so straightforward. Rarely do toxic relationships begin in this manner. Most of the time, when a relationship begins to become toxic, individuals are already too attached to the other person or have made too many commitments to them to just quit it at that point.

But if your relationship makes you feel horrible, be clear about it. If your relationship is filled with turmoil all the time then their love for you is probably poisonous. 

6 You lose yourself in the relationship

Making someone your whole universe and completely dedicating yourself to them may seem romantic but we must constantly keep in mind that being dedicated to our relationships does not entail sacrificing our uniqueness and sense of self for the sake of the relationship.

We should not ever let anybody consume us to the point where we over-compromise and alter too much of who we are to win their approval and maintain our connection.

7 You overvalue one another 

Over-idealizing one another, placing unreasonably high expectations on them, and denying one another the ability to be imperfect and make errors are all things that sabotage our relationships more quickly than anything else. Because that is what it ultimately implies. They are not in love with you. It's a nonexistent version of who you are.

8 Emotional Control

Emotional manipulation is a potent strategy employed in toxic relationships to keep you emotionally tied. Your partner could regulate your behavior using guilt, shame, or terror. They may inform you that their happiness depends on you, thus you should feel accountable for their welfare.

Often deceptive attempts to get their way, phrases like "If you loved me, you would do this" are. This results in an ongoing emotional load whereby you feel imprisoned in fulfilling their desires at the price of your own.

9 Using Love as a Weapon

Love may become a weapon in negative relationships. To keep you from leaving they may persuade you you will never find anybody who loves you as much as they do. Saying, "I only do this because I love you," will help them to justify their negative actions. Love is no more love when it is used as a cover for nasty deeds; it is rather a manipulation.

10 Disrespect for Boundaries

Whether they be emotional, physical, or sexual, a bad relationship usually ignores your limits. They could force you to engage in activities you find objectionable, therefore undermining your sense of the importance of limits. Boundaries are respected and freely addressed in a healthy relationship, not thrown aside for the advantage of one person. Love honors limitations; it does not step on them.

Conclusion

Recognizing the warning signs of harmful love is the first step toward protecting yourself from emotional and physical damage. Love should be safe, polite, and encouraging rather than dictatorial, isolating, or violent. If you find any of these indicators in your relationship, you should get help from friends, relatives, or professional counselors. Remember, you are deserving of a relationship that lets you be your whole self, respects your limits, and raises you. Real love will never leave you feeling confined, terrified, or reduced. Harmful love will try to pass for caring.