Is Your Relationship Toxic? How to Tell.

There is no perfect relationship. But for the most part, we all want that feeling of safety, security, love, respect and happiness in our relationships. But at times, red flags of a toxic relationship are not so glaring. Toxic relationships will lead to one feeling depleted, drained, and at times even distraught.

Whether you have a business to run, managing a team, or working with a partner, the last thing you want is to be in a toxic relationship. If you have been with a partner for a long time, and discover that they always make you feel stupid, small, or worthless, that is a big problem, and you need to take immediate action. Pay attention to some of these signs to know if you are in a toxic relationship.

Your Partner Restricts How You Live Your Life

In any healthy relationship, every partner should have the freedom to do what interests them. You both are free to spend time away from each other. If you have a partner that always gets suspicious or angry when you want to do something that doesn’t involve them, that’s a red flag.

It doesn’t matter if they are controlling, jealous or have anxiety problems; it is not healthy for your partner to restrict your freedom. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have the freedom to do whatever you want to do. If your partner doesn’t feel comfortable with you always hanging around your ex, that is a reasonable concern. You have to take your partner’s needs into consideration also.

Your Partner Doesn’t Encourage You to Progress as a Person

No matter how old you are, you grow and learn daily. In a good relationship, your partner has to be your biggest supporter as your progress and should encourage you to be the best version of yourself. But for relationships that are toxic, this can be viewed by a partner as a threat. If you pick up an interest in learning a new skill and your partner dismisses or mocks you, then that is a sign that they don’t support your personal development, and you should move on.

They Are Manipulative

If anytime you express worries about your relationship, and they wave them off by making you question how legitimate your own emotions are, then they are manipulating you. Your feelings are real, and nobody should make you feel any different. If your partner flips your concerns rather than address them, you need to step back.

They Don’t Show You Respect

As basic as this may sound, respect is the basis of any healthy relationship. Going through a pattern of disrespect will end up wearing you down and making your anxious. If can make you feel as if you have to constantly have your guard up and anticipate an attack or an argument before it happens. The feeling of being on the defense constantly is an indication that your partner doesn’t respect you.

Using Sex to Control You

If the only time the express sexual interest in you is if it’s only to their benefit, or, if they withhold sex to achieve a goal, then that’s a sign of a toxic relationship. It is understandable if they decline sex because they are upset or feel you don’t care about their feelings, but if they use it to control or manipulate you, then that’s a different thing altogether.