A toxic relationship is one that involves pain (not necessarily physical), helplessness, powerlessness, and despair. In a healthy relationship, partners grow and "flourish," whereas in a toxic relationship, they shrink and withdraw into themselves. What are the signs of such a relationship?
How do you know if you're in a toxic relationship? Here are the most common signs:
In this kind of relationship, one person has power over the other, but it doesn't have to be physical power, as the toxic person can be either a man or a woman. Identifying a toxic partner can be challenging, but there are several clues that might help you recognize the situation:
Manipulation, control, and a sense of superiority are key traits of a toxic person. They seek to lower their partner's self-esteem, blame them for problems, and make them feel responsible for failures.
Psychologist Ewa Guzowska, in an interview with Polki.pl, explained how to recognize that you're stuck in a toxic relationship:Your self-esteem is very low because your partner convinces you that you're not the person you should be.
- Your partner imposes their point of view on you and blames you for failures.
- You experience psychological discomfort in the relationship.
- You suffer from emotional blackmail that damages your mental health and makes you feel guilty.
- You are a victim of physical or psychological abuse.
How to get out of a toxic relationship? "We can find ways," but it's not always possible.
The psychologist explained how to cope with a toxic relationship. She believes that the most important step is to realize that you are a victim and that the relationship does not bring pleasure or happiness.
We can look for ways out, such as spending some time apart, finding strength within ourselves, determining if the other person is willing to change, seeking advice from a therapist, or leaving and finding happiness first within yourself. This is very important before entering another relationship
- she stated.
