We all know relationships are complicated. One difficulty that can play with our minds is when a relationship turns toxic. A toxic relationship is not always one person or the other. Sometimes it’s merely how two people relate to one another — wondering if your relationship could be toxic? Take the quiz!
Now, understanding your place in the relationship is different. If you’re wondering if you could be demonstrating some signs of toxicity, take this quiz.
Am I the Toxic One?
“Toxic” really has a dooming ring to it. It feels rough, problematic, and just plain unpleasant to consider yourself that way. Over time, it can be damaging to self-esteem. This goes for both partners involved in a toxic dynamic, whoever “started” it.
That’s the trouble, however. The truth is, even if it could be you, you’re likely to be fed by toxic behaviors that mirror or enable your own — understanding what we bring to the table as far as toxicity is all about zeroing in on our actions.
We must ask important questions like:
- Am I always transparent with my intentions and words?
- Do my actions reflect my words?
- Do I treat my partner with the mutual respect I expect?
Why Understanding Toxicity Is Key
Even if it feels that we engage in certain behaviors as a result of being treated a certain way, this, too, is our responsibility to address. If you begin to discover that you could be someone who is behaving toxic, don’t beat yourself up. You’ve already made a brush with the first step of change!
Speaking with a mental healthcare professional might help you to identify traits and tendencies that lead to this behavior in both yourself and your partner. Change is possible for those who are willing to work through it.