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Toxic Relationship

By Rida Shahid


Relationships that are toxic are those that make you feel unsupported, misunderstood, degraded, or attacked. Relationships are harmful when your well-being is threatened emotionally, psychologically, or physically. A toxic relationship doesn't have to be with your significant other. It can be with your family, friends, or anyone else.

It is possible to identify toxic relationships when there is a lack of support. In short, you no longer feel positive when you spend time together. There is no support or encouragement from them, and you can't count on them to show up for you. They might seem only concerned with what they want, not what you need and want. When communication is toxic, they call you names, mock you, and disrespect you in front of others. In addition to their controlling nature, they constantly command you to follow them, which causes you to be constantly stressed. Your attention is so focused on making them happy and taking care of their needs that you neglect your own needs and happiness. Even though you notice a change in their behavior, you still continue the relationship hoping they would change for the better.

Self-esteem, mental health, and physical health may be seriously damaged by toxic relationships. When they are constantly involved in drama in their relationships, it can distract them from other relationships, causing them to feel socially isolated, causing depression or poor sleep.

University of Michigan research in 2016 found that "stress and [negative] relationship quality directly affect the cardiovascular system." In the long run, all of these factors damage your health and even lead you to develop unhealthy coping behaviors such as drinking or eating emotional food.

You should limit your interactions with people who cause frustration or unhappiness in your life. It may be necessary to limit your interactions with this person if you need to interact with them, such as family members or coworkers. You should realize that some toxic people simply aren't willing to change—especially when they lack social skills or self-awareness. Try to stand up for yourself when the situation warrants it in a non-confrontational manner. Talk to the other person about what you're witnessing.

Take responsibility for your part in the situation while being assertive about your needs and feelings. Decide together whether the dynamic needs to be changed so that both of you can get what you need. Re-evaluate your relationship and ask yourself: Is this person causing real damage to my self-esteem and overall mental health?

The relationship may be over if you have tried setting boundaries and are unable to get the other person to respect them. Putting your health, your needs, and your needs first can be challenging, but it is the most important thing you can do.

Depending on your situation and how safe you feel, you may choose to end the relationship in a certain way. You could:

  • Describe the reasons behind your decision to end the relationship directly with the other person.

  • Communicate with this person less and less over time, slowly letting the relationship fade.

  • Stop communicating immediately (especially if the relationship threatens your safety).

Toxic behavior

  • Insecure

  • Jealous

  • Negative

  • Self-centered

  • Selfish

  • Critical

  • Demeaning

  • Distrusting

  • Abusive

  • Disrespectful

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