We've all been warned about the dangers of toxic relationships. Films are produced, and books continue to be written on the insidious power of such relationships, yet many of us still nosedive into unfulfilling liaisons with people who don't have our best interests at heart. While no relationship is perfect, (and we can blame any movie that's come out of Hollywood for our elevated expectations) a happy relationship should leave both parties feeling valued and respected.
A toxic relationship, on the other hand, is characterised by either party feeling drained, unappreciated - and everything else that is the antithesis to what a healthy relationship should be. So here are 10 signs that you're embroiled in a toxic relationship:
1. Your partner is passive aggressive
Passive aggression closes the lines to communication, so if your partner's always shooting you the side-eye instead of talking things out, it's not a good indicator that you're in a functional relationship.
2. They're always jealous
Contrary to popular belief, it's not "flattering" to have an envious partner. Excessive jealously means that your relationship is lacking a certain amount of trust.
3. They always criticise you
While some criticism is meant to be constructive, at other times it's meant to belittle.
4. You're afraid to be yourself
If you're not comfortable being yourself in an intimate relationship, it implies that your partner makes you feel unappreciated, and doesn't value you for who you are, in all of your quirks and idiosyncrasies.
5. You can't envision a future
In all functional relationships, you should be able to see indicators of progression. If you're drawing a blank, however, it usually implies that you don't necessarily want to be with this person forever.
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6. It's all take and no give
A healthy relationship should be a symbiotic give and take and in unhealthy relationships one person always feels as if they're more invested.
7. There's a lack of trust
Once trust is compromised in a relationship, it takes a lot of work to build it up again. And if your partner seems lackadaisical about trying to make amends, you're better off moving on.
8. You don't feel as if you're communicating
As we've been told time and time again, communication is key. I mean it's the only way to resolve issues, trivial or substantial.
9. They're regularly dishonest
While we can all justify one or two white lies, if you find that your significant other are lying about things on a near daily basis, how can you trust them when it comes to the important stuff?
10. You feel as if you can't do anything right
Ultimately, your partner should make you feel cherished and valued. So if you feel anything other than appreciated, you're wasting your time.
If you've spotted any of these things in your relationship, it may be time to re-evaluate if your partner is meeting your needs - no one should be forced to stay in a toxic relationship for longer than necessary.
