5 Red Flags You Should Look Out For In A Toxic Relationship
I believe it is safe to state that toxicity is essentially lethal. Can you imagine being given a toxic substance and still wanting to ingest it? Probably not right? Why then do so many people stay in toxic relationships - romantic or otherwise?
A toxic relationship is essentially a relationship in which one partner consciously damages the other. The interesting thing about toxic relationships is that they are not always one-sided. We have scenarios where both parties are toxic, and toxic relationships have consequences for one or both partners.
It's also worth noting that toxic relationships aren't limited to romantic partners. It could be a friend, a family member, a coworker, or anyone with whom you have a relationship. This article will mainly focus on romantic partnerships but if you notice these signs in other types of relationships - they might also be toxic!
To anyone who might be in a toxic relationship - know that you are not alone. These are my 5 warning signs that will help you figure out if that close person in your life might have some toxic traits.
1. THEY NEVER ADMIT TO BEING WRONG
It's one thing to defend your stance; it's quite another to never admit when you're wrong. The beautiful thing about life is that we all make mistakes and, whether we realize it or not, at some point we hurt the people we care about. Failure to accept that you are wrong can lead to misunderstandings and, as a result, be detrimental to the relationship. Worse, in many cases, they want you to believe you are the wrong party; watch for this sign and be cautious.
2. THEY AVOID SENSITIVE ISSUES
Why do we humans have such a hard time discussing our issues? Communication and comprehension are two major aspects in maintaining relationships. If your partner would rather ignore problems than discuss them, you might be in a toxic relationship. Talking about problems simplifies things and, in many cases, leads to the sustenance of such relationships.
3. THEY ARE STRAIGHT UP ABUSIVE
Abuse can be emotional, financial, sexual, or physical, and it can also include threats, isolation, and intimidation. Abuse can take many forms including putting you down in front of others, keeping you away from family and friends, destroying your property, breaking your things, humiliating or calling you names, embarrassing you in public, and so on.
It is important to understand that this is not your fault, and you should seek help right away.
Turn to someone you can trust for support, such as your loved ones, a friend, neighbor, coworker, or a religious or spiritual counselor. You can also contact your city's crisis hotline for assistance and recommendations to organizations that deal with cases of abuse. A district court can assist you in obtaining a restraining order, which requires the abuser to remain away from you or risk arrest.
4. THEY ALWAYS WANT TO TAKE CONTROL
People who get into relationships and immediately lose their will to make decisions might be in the toxic relationship category. You discover that your partner always wants to make all financial, sexual, emotional, physical, and mental decisions, they might even want to decide who you can associate with; this is a red flag, and in my opinion, you should flee. Most importantly, if you find yourself doing things that just don't feel right for you, but you're doing them to keep your partner from becoming agitated and angry - this is a red flag. The beautiful thing about relationships is when you can both help each other and make life better for each other, but when your partner takes away that will, it’s no longer a healthy relationship.
5. YOU BOTH HAVE TROUBLE SHARING SECRETS
The inability of your partner to share secrets and concerns raises a red flag. Sharing is what keeps relationships healthy. If you're too afraid to tell your partner certain things about yourself, perhaps there's no need for that relationship. Remember, it's like approaching someone and being accepted for who you are. Talk about the past; don't let anything surprise your partner; they should love you for who you are, regardless of past mistakes and understand that your past is in the PAST.
As individuals, the relationships we establish with other people are important to our mental and emotional wellbeing, as well as our survival. Although it may be difficult - we must make the effort to judge wisely the people we allow in our lives and ensure that our relationships are only with quality people.
For those in Nigeria, please see the link below for support services in the location; for those in other countries, please contact your local crisis hotline for assistance."
https://safeguardingsupporthub.org/survivor-support-services-nigeria