This archive report was first published on 13 September 2019.
Recognizing the Signs of a Toxic Relationship ¶
Published on September 13, 2019
Relationships can be a beautiful and rewarding experience, but they can also be toxic and damaging to our mental and emotional well-being. It's essential to recognize the signs of a toxic relationship and take steps to protect ourselves.
According to Dr. Ginnie Love Thompson, a psychotherapist in Florida, every single relationship has a level of toxicity. However, it's when toxicity spirals out of control that problems arise. "If you feel uneasy, you need to stop yourself and ask what the cause is," says Thompson.
Dr. Jane Greer, a New York-based marriage and family therapist and author of "What About Me? Stop Selfishness From Ruining Your Relationship," agrees that a toxic relationship is when your partner makes you feel like you're not good enough. "If they make you feel like no matter what you're doing, it always seems to be the wrong thing, and that no matter how hard you try, it's never going to be enough to please your partner, those are red flags," says Greer.
1. Your S.O. Always Finds Something Wrong with You ¶
A partner who offers unsolicited suggestions for what you need to improve, doesn't support your interests or hobbies, and fundamentally criticizes aspects of who you are is definitely toxic, says Dr. Gary Lewandowski Jr., Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Monmouth University.
"A partner who fundamentally criticizes aspects of who you are is definitely toxic," says Lewandowski.
2. They Strip Away Your Self-Esteem ¶
Toxic partners like picking at you. If you hear these statements on a regular basis—'I don't like that dress. Cut your hair. I don't like it like that. Why are you making so much makeup, You don't need it. Why do you have to see your friends tonight. I thought you were going to stay home. I thought you were going to cook dinner tomorrow night and Saturday as well. I don't want to go out—these are all red flags, says Greer.
"Basically, they strip away your self-esteem. You start to feel badly about yourself and begin to doubt your own judgment. You're constantly thinking, 'What can I do better?'
