Toxic behaviours in relationships
Toxic relationships are a hard topic and when you’re in one, it can be harder to see red flags.
If you consistently feel drained or unhappy after spending time with your partner, it could be a sign that things need to change. You may recognize some of these signs in yourself or your partner, or the relationship itself;
Toxic communication
Instead of treating each other with kindness, most of your conversations are filled with sarcasm, criticism and hostility. You may start avoiding talking to each other.
Lack of support
Your time together has stopped being positive and supportive of your goals. Any healthy relationship is based on a mutual desire to see each other succeed in all areas. But when things turn toxic, every achievement becomes a competition and you don’t feel like they have your back.
Controlling behaviors
Scenarios of questioning where you are all the time or becoming overly upset when you don’t immediately answer texts are both signs of controlling behavior, which can contribute to toxicity in a relationship.
Dishonesty
You find yourself constantly making up lies about your whereabouts or who you meet up with to avoid spending time with your partner.
Patterns of disrespect
Being chronically late, or forgetting events, and other behaviors that show disrespect for your time are a red flag.
Negative financial behaviors
Your partner might make financial decisions, including purchasing big items or withdrawing large sums of money, without consulting you.
Constant stress
Finding yourself constantly on edge is an indicator that something is off. This ongoing stress can take a levy on your physical and emotional health.
Lost relationships
You’ve stopped spending time with friends and family to avoid conflict with your partner or to get around having to explain what’s happening in your relationship and sometimes you find your free time is enfolded in dealing with your partner.
Hoping for change
You might stay in the relationship because you see the other person’s potential or think that if you just change yourself and your actions, they’ll change as well.
Lack of self-care
In a toxic relationship, you might let go of your usual self care habits, neglect hobbies you once loved, neglect your health, and sacrifice your free time.