11 Ways to Know if You Are in an Unhealthy or Toxic Relationship
1. Control: Your partner may dominate your decisions, actions, and behavior, including what you wear, where you go, who you see, and how you spend your time.
2. Isolation: Your partner may isolate you from friends, family, and other sources of support. They may also make you dependent on them for everything, including emotional support.
3. Blame: Your partner may always blame you for their problems or mistakes. They may also manipulate you by saying that you are the one at fault, even when you are not.
4. Criticism: Your partner may constantly belittle, criticize, or insult you, often in front of others. This can have a negative effect on your self-esteem and confidence.
5. Threats: Your partner may intimidate you with threats of physical, emotional, or sexual violence. They may also threaten to harm themselves or others if you leave them.
6. Gaslighting: Your partner may manipulate your perception of reality. They may deny things they have said or done, or make you doubt your own memories or judgments.
7. Unpredictable mood swings: Your partner’s mood may fluctuate quickly and unpredictably. This can create a sense of instability and fear in you.
8. Physical violence: Your partner may use physical force, such as hitting, kicking, slapping, or choking, to control or punish you.
9. Sexual coercion: Your partner may force or pressure you into sexual activities you do not want, or refuse to use contraception or protect you from sexually transmitted infections.
10. Financial abuse: Your partner may control your finances or limit your access to money, making you financially dependent on them. They may also steal or destroy your property or control your spending and access to info.
11. Emotional abuse: Your partner humiliates or belittles you in front of others. No regards for you in the presence of friends or relatives. When they doesn’t care about your feelings. They don’t even care if what they have done to you can make you cry.
Signs to Know if you are in an unhealthy or toxic relationship.
- You often feel scared or anxious around your partner.
- Emotional manipulation – your partner makes you feel guilty, ashamed or responsible for their behavior.
- Your partner tries to isolate you from your friends or family.
- Your partner controls your every move, including what you wear, who you talk to, and where you go.
- Your partner verbally or physically abuses you.
- They use intimidation or threats to get what they want.
- They control your finances or prevent you from working.
- You feel like you’re walking on eggshells around them.
- Your partner has a bad temper and is easily angered.
- They blame you for everything that goes wrong in the relationship.
- You feel like you can’t be yourself around them.
- Your partner is possessive and jealous, even when there’s no reason to be.
- Your partner tries to convince you that you’re crazy or imagining things.
- They make you feel like you’re not good enough or don’t deserve them.
- Your partner is constantly criticizing or nitpicking you.
- They threaten to hurt themselves or others if you leave them.
- They don’t respect your boundaries or preferences.
- Your partner gaslights you – manipulates you into questioning your own sanity or perception of reality.
- In extreme cases, your partner may threaten, harm or kill you or your loved ones.
If you are experiencing one or more of these signs, it is crucial to seek help and support. Abusive or toxic relationships can have lasting effects on your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional for help.
Stay safe and make others around you safe too.