Introduction

Determining whether or not your relationship is toxic can be difficult. But once you know for sure, it's important to remember that change starts with you. You may not be able to change someone else's behavior, but you can empower yourself to end the relationship and seek help if needed.

The definition of a toxic relationship is one in which people feel more drained than energized.

A toxic relationship is one in which people feel more drained than energized. It can be difficult to recognize when you're in a toxic relationship because it often feels like the only way out is if you leave—but that's not necessarily true. There are ways to change your perspective and get out of this type of situation, so that you don't have to stay in one forever!

Emotional abuse is the biggest sign your relationship is toxic.

Emotional abuse is a form of abuse in which the abuser intentionally causes the victim to experience a variety of adverse mental or emotional conditions. It involves subjecting the victim to intense and frequent bouts of rage, shame, intimidation, isolation and other forms of psychological trauma.

Quite often, an abuser will blame their toxic behavior on you as a way to make their actions seem innocent. They may tell you that your love for them is causing them pain (which isn’t true) or that it's all your fault for not being perfect enough for them (which also isn't true). The reality is that no matter how much someone loves you, if they're abusive then there's something wrong with them—and not with you!

Toxic relationships are damaging to both parties and can cause long-term psychological damage.

A toxic relationship isn’t just a single thing, but rather a collection of problems that negatively impact all areas of your life. These can include, but are not limited to:

• Depression or anxiety disorders

• Other mental health issues (e.g., obsessive compulsive disorder, body dysmorphic disorder)

• Physical health issues (e.g., cancer and heart disease)

• Financial problems (e.g., loss of income due to spending more time with partner than at work)

• Relationship problems with friends and family members who feel like they don’t know who you are anymore because you’re so focused on your partner that there’s no room for them in your life; difficulty maintaining healthy relationships outside the one with your partner(s).

You can't change someone else's behavior.

Learning to recognize a toxic relationship is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. Once you realize what's happening and why, it will be easier to take action.

But how do you know if your partner is toxic? There are several signs of toxicity that may indicate your partner is in denial or unwilling to change their behavior:

• They don't think they're doing anything wrong. Toxic people often feel like they're being unfairly blamed and misunderstood, even when the evidence proves otherwise. They may not see themselves as having any ill intentions; rather, they'll accuse others of being too sensitive or making things up out of thin air because they want something from the other person (like more attention).

• They don't believe there's anything wrong at all. This can happen when someone has been abused by a parent as a child and grows up thinking that this type of treatment is normal—and thus treats their romantic partners similarly without realizing it could be considered abusive behavior instead! That said...

You can help someone realize how their behavior is affecting you, and gently offer them alternatives.

• You can't change someone else's behavior. You can, however, help them realize how their behavior is affecting you and gently offer alternatives.

• If the person you're dating is toxic and only realizes it when you call them out on their behavior, that's a problem for another day (or never). But if there are other people who see the same issues in your relationship, or if this person has a history of being toxic—which might come up in an interview or background check—you should probably consider cutting things off with them as soon as possible.

You may not be able to change your relationship with a toxic person, but you can empower yourself to end it.

You may not be able to change your relationship with a toxic person, but you can empower yourself to end it.

• Recognize that the other person's behavior is affecting you by making it hard to feel happy and fulfilled. If someone makes you feel like there’s no way out of your situation, ask yourself if this is true. Are they really the only thing keeping you down? Can they really stop loving me? Do I have any other options besides staying in this toxic relationship forever?

• Offer calm, logical alternatives—but keep the focus on YOU: “I would love to spend time with my friends when I get home from work tonight instead of having dinner with my husband." Or "If we could just talk about things without getting angry or hurtful about each other once in a while…that would mean so much more than any money or gifts could ever buy!"

Conclusion

You don’t have to be in a toxic relationship for it to harm you. Just because someone doesn’t abuse you or belittle your feelings doesn’t mean they aren’t hurting you in other ways. If you feel drained after spending time with someone, if their words and actions make you feel worthless or unworthy of love, then that person may not be the best choice in a partner.