What Is a Toxic Relationship and How to Break Free

What is a toxic relationship?

A toxic relationship drains you emotionally, physically, and mentally, and can push partners apart. Even when two people love each other deeply, a relationship where values, thoughts, or life views are completely opposite can be a prime example of toxicity. In this kind of relationship, partners may constantly hurt each other and struggle to let go of the idea of breaking up, yet never manage to separate. This dynamic rarely leads to good outcomes for either person.

How can you tell if a relationship is toxic?

Sometimes couples don't realize their relationship has reached a breaking point—in other words, that it has become toxic. So how can you tell?

• If one or both partners engage in passive-aggressive behavior,
• If demeaning remarks or insults—even disguised as jokes—happen often,
• If you feel you need permission from your partner for every action,
• If you've isolated yourself from your social circle,
• If you feel more exhausted and depressed than happy in the relationship,
• If you constantly feel like the relationship could end any moment and become paranoid,
• If you stay silent about violent behavior.

These behaviors may indicate that your relationship has reached toxic levels. We recommend seeking help from a professional, either individually or as a couple.

How to get out of a toxic relationship

You've realized your relationship is toxic, but you may not know what to do. Here are some suggestions to help you break free:

• Don't let your feelings overpower you.
• Try spending some time apart.
• Try to take control; if you can't, definitely seek professional help.
• Don't blame yourself as the sole responsible party.
• Set aside memories, and if you can't fix things, make peace with yourself and accept the situation.
• Spend more time with your social circle and activities.

Source: mahmure