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How do I know if I'm in a toxic relationship?

289 Answers
Last Updated: 04/20/2022 at 3:24pm
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Top Rated Answers
chanell2
July 4th, 2018 8:16pm
If the relationship is abusive ( actual hitting/ touching ) , verbal abuse ( words being said ) , mental abuse ( making you feel worthless e.c.t ) or emotional abuse ( making you upset by the things said ).
generousPrince61
July 7th, 2018 3:19pm
Listen to your intuition. Is this person treating you the way you'd be happy to see a loved one treated? Contact a professional therapist or counsellor for more advice on this. Also reach out to your friends and family.
Anonymous
July 8th, 2018 10:38am
if they are bringing you down, you are definitely in a toxic relationship. the people you surround yourself around, are the people you reflect off of. always hang around people who want to see you succeed.
NalaHakeem
July 13th, 2018 4:49am
1. Low-self esteem. Though some individuals maintain a rather pessimistic view due to other factors, low-self esteem triggered by being with your spouse may indicate an unhealthy relationship, as they may be overly criticizing your abilities and forcing you to feel unworthy 2. Physical or verbal abuse. Abuse is an obvious factor, however, I understand that that clarity does not make the agility of separating any easier. 3. A lack of love or commitment. It takes two to birth a relationship, There should be a an undying potential in some form, especially if it is a relationship that is expected to support a future family.
VisionWolf
July 19th, 2018 2:41am
To know if you are in a toxic relationship is if/when the person says they won't cheat on you again or hurt you again.
resoluteactivity
July 19th, 2018 9:16am
If one or both partners aren't addressing or taking responsibility for behavior that feels hurtful to the other
Anonymous
July 21st, 2018 3:53pm
I think a toxic relationship feels wrong on some level, you feel taken advantage of on some degree even if you find yourself justifying it later. If you find yourself being upset because of your partner all the time, it's toxic. Ask yourself every time you've been sad or upset, how many of those are because of your partner in some way, if the answer is way too many times, it's toxic
IveSurvivedAndSoCanYou
July 28th, 2018 1:28am
If the person is making you feel bad all the time, if they are being controlling, if they are physically or mentally hurting you, if they threaten to hurt them self just too make you stay and etc
magicallyNutella29
August 8th, 2018 10:36am
If you’re asking yourself that you’re in a toxic relationship, then that’s a sign that you are in a toxic relationship. If you feel helpless in the relationship and feel that it isn’t going anywhere or benefiting you in any way, that is also another sign that the relationship is toxic
Freedomtochoose
August 9th, 2018 9:09pm
The individual doesn't bring the best out of you. Constant arguments or disagreements, and build up resentment.
Anonymous
August 17th, 2018 2:25pm
A few signs that you may be in a toxic relationship are; lack of communication between you two, lack of an emotional connection, negative criticism from one another, resentment, feelings of jealousy or insecurity, controlling behaviour, physical/emotional/verbal abuse, any sort of threatening behaviour such as saying "I'll leave you if you don't do such and such". People trying to change you or control you is also a sign that you may be in a toxic relationship. Sometimes these signs can be hard to spot at first, especially if you don't know what you're looking for, try and keep an eye out for some of these red flags.
Anonymous
August 18th, 2018 1:57am
if you're asking this question, then you probably have come to a crossroads in your relationship of whats right and wrong. you should be proud of yourself as not many people really recognize or admit that they have recognized toxic behaviour. people stay within the denial stage for a long time, so its great to come to that realization. you would probably get the sense that you're in a toxic relationship if you feel smothered/controlled by that person, your partner has to have a say in who you talk to and what you do without good reason, they might even isolate you from your family. sometimes they talk to you in certain ways that aren't what is known to be outright abusive, but it still really hurts you and they might not react appropriately if you tell them it hurts you. theres so many things that could be a sign of a toxic relationship, its a massive list. i would suggest talking over any anxieties or strange things you feel are going on in your relationship with someone you trust to have your best interest at heart for a second opinion. this can really just give you anything you're feeling slightly off validity, which can then help you go further in dealing with such a relationship.
courageousHope62
August 21st, 2018 2:25pm
You know that you are in a toxic relationship when you spend the greater part of your time together fighting and tearing down each other and feel more relaxed and more happier when you are not together. However its not just the fighting that makes it toxic, because generally fights are common in relationships, its the fact that there would be remorselessness from your partner when its clear that they are wrong. Each time you make a conversation you always feel like you are walking on eggshells, as small things can easily blow out of proportion and so you are always afraid to start a conversation.
Shavonne
September 7th, 2018 3:06am
Labeling a relationship as "toxic" isn't always helpful, and can be a huge source of confusion for some people. What is easier is taking a look at the behaviors that you think are toxic in the relationship from both sides, and seeing if there are any patterns. Sometimes it's helpful to take a quiet moment and brainstorm examples of these behaviors. Some people even write them down. Here are five examples of behavior that could be toxic: - your partner belittles or makes fun of your feelings and emotions. "You're too emotional!" and "I can't believe you're upset about that. That's stupid." - Your partner has a "short-fuse" or anger issues. They may shout, threaten themselves/you/others, raise their voice, or break things in your presence. - Your partner is critical of your appearance, or is commenting on your appearance in a negative way. They may seem like they're trying to tear you down. "Your red hair looks pretty bad. Why don't you dye it back?" and "Woah, maybe you shouldn't be eating so much. You've gained a lot of weight." - Boundaries are not respected, and sometimes are even tested. Your comfort level doesn't seem to be priority, in fact, it seems more annoying to your partner. "C'mon, can't we do this at least once? I don't see why not." and "You have to do this for me." - Your partner often second guesses your thoughts and opinions. You're seldom 'believed.' Maybe they also don't seem to want to tap into your knowledge or experience on anything.
MaidenlySmile
November 23rd, 2018 9:28am
Toxic relationship signs: You're in a relationship with someone who's just plain bad for you. You fight all the time, you're constantly complaining about each other, and your friends and family members can't stand them. But every time you think about breaking up (and you think about it a lot), you just can't bring yourself to do it, because it just seems like more effort to leave than to stay. 1 Your partner decides what you can and can't do. 2 Your partner isn't encouraging you to grow as a person. 3 They're gaslighting you. 4 They simply don't respect you. 5 They use sex as a form of manipulation. 6 You feel like you can't open up to them. 7 You feel like you're being bullied. 8 They're totally unwilling to compromise. 9 Your parents hate your partner. 10 They keep track on your friends, money, privacy.
Traceyw70
May 1st, 2019 8:14pm
You know when your relationship is toxic when your constantly arguing with each other, when your putting each other down and stopping one another from progressing with your own goals. If one person is addicted to drugs or alcohol then things will not improve either. If you constantly blame each other for the problems. In the end you will begin to feel worthless with very low self esteem. If there is violence its toxic. When you begin to no longer want to do the things you once loved. If one of you is unfaithful its toxic. There are so many different reasons for being involved in a toxic relationship. You then begin to struggle to get away from the person because your at such a low point in your life because that is where the relationship has taken you
benevolentIceCream123
May 19th, 2020 5:29pm
Every person has a different experience that might make you suspect the relationship. The things I'm saying is from my experience so it may not apply to everyone but in my relationship he was very controlling but he was subtle like telling me bad things about my friends which I now realize were fake but he made me believe wasn't. He wouldn't let me have guy friends and his reasoning was I might cheat on him. He made me feel alone. He also used to make him seem like the victim and he used to cry after a fight and say sorry it wouldn't happen a lot. But they would happen again. I believed him because he was a "nice" guy before I dated him. We were too young to live together. I don't know what would have happened if it was just me and him. Thankfully I had a family to support me.
Hanaa00
March 24th, 2019 12:21pm
Toxic relationships give us unsettling feelings about something being wrong, even if it’s just on the surface of the situation. They are the metamorphosis of love into insecurity, passion into obsession, trust into fear. Whenever the partner that once was trusted becomes demanding, controlling or inconsiderate of our feelings, the relationship isn’t going that well and something’s to be questioned. Toxic relationships don’t always end up having one or both frustrated or abusive partners. Sometimes even smaller things can make relationships broken or less functional. It’s important that we consider what we want for ourselves before meeting the partner’s needs. Because without self love, rarely any love would last.
Anonymous
February 17th, 2019 8:39pm
Toxic relationships come in many forms. If you feel as if you can not trust the person you are with, that may be a sign. Jealousy and always blaming the other person may also be a sign. Aggression, demanding things a lot, pressuring the other to do things they don't want to do, emotional abuse, being controlling, and feeling scared with the person you are with are all signs of toxic relationships. The best thing to do is to leave as soon as you can. The longer you stay, the worse it will get and the more attached you will get.
Someb0dywhocares
February 15th, 2019 4:35am
Toxic relationships can come in many shapes and sizes. If you happen to be in a situation that makes you constantly feel uncomfortable and surrounded by negativity, then it could be classed as toxic. When you feel that the situation is adversely impacting your life, your goals, your feelings, and overall health it's also a sign of a toxic relationship. Sometimes a toxic relationship may not be so obvious because of subtle manipulation and gas-lighting. Also, if you do not feel safe expressing yourself or even being yourself then you may be in a toxic relationship. The best way to identify if you are in a toxic relationship is do a mental and emotional survey of yourself and be honest about whether or not you feel like you are thriving and happy in the relationship.
ShyBlueFlower
January 18th, 2019 12:00pm
The first tell a tale sign would be from your loved ones. They see what you don't. On the other hand your suspisious gut feeling will warn you. Certain facts or actions your apparent other does wont add up. Or on the otherhand you find yourself being constantly let down. For example your partner may compare you to an ex or constantly talk about an ex. They may try to convince you that all your free time, must be spent on and with them. They may constantly detach you from friends and family. And finally convince you that everything they do is right.
Anonymous
December 16th, 2018 8:12pm
If someone is showing signs of being controlling, manipulative or talks to you in a negative way then these are warning signs that you could be in a potentially toxic relationship. If they get angry when they don't get their way or they force you to do things or even try to stop you from doing things then reach out and talk to someone. Knowing the warning signs of a potentially abusive relationship can be life saving. You should feel loved and appreciated in a relationship and anything that is opposite of that can be concerning. No relationship is perfect but if you feel like you need to question if your relationship is toxic then that is a warning sign in itself.
freshsupport
October 11th, 2018 5:48am
Im every relationship there are pros and there are cons, you should definitely weigh those up, they can put you on the right track. If you are feeling doubt about it then you are best talking to someone close to you, or someone you know who is in a strong relationship and can tell you if what you are experiencing is a sure sign of a toxic relationship. You should ask yourself theses questions. 1. Are they hurting me mentally or physically? 2. Do I see them perfectly in my future? 3. Am I becoming depressed or full of anxiety because of them? 4.Are they effecting my social life or my family life in a negative way? 5. Are they making me feel bad for being who I am? These questions should also help you find your answers
CharlyFarmeadow
October 3rd, 2018 3:33am
In my personal experience the toxic relationship I was in started off like any other relationship. You have the honeymoon period where you like everything about the other person, even their faults. However, as time goes by these faults start to invade your life in ways you did not expect and by the time you realize that they’ve altered your life you are stuck. You look in the mirror and you don’t recognize yourself anymore and the life that you are leading isn’t the one you envisioned. It is a culmination of your significant others’ manipulations that’s shaped your world.
AustenMia
October 4th, 2018 9:49am
Oh, great, I get to talk about this! I just got out of one. Honestly, in very simple words: You are NEVER happy. That's it. These people drain you from your energy, your happiness, your self-esteem, your dreams. You can see that it's going nowhere, and you just can't see the exit, but believe me, it's there. And it's easier than you think. In a toxic relationship you keep thinking that you keep making mistakes over and over again, why? Because the other person involved makes you think that no matter what happens it's your fault. YOU didn't behave correctly, YOU chose the wrong words to talk about anything etc. Personally, I spent half of last year being physically ill, because of all the negative feelings that had started affecting my body. Guilt, sadness, disappointment... Just as when the other person started moving away from me, I got a lot of support from another friend, with whom I feel free to be myself. I saw the difference. What I had before that, was toxic, and I had lost my health for it. When you lose your health in order to please people who are never pleased, you almost "kill" yourself for no good reason. Run away from there and find the happiness that's waiting for you elsewhere. You recognise toxic relationships by the negativeness they put in your life.
Anonymous
October 10th, 2018 1:45am
If you feel like you are lessened by the relationship or if you feel as if the relationship is hurting you. If you have to be less of a person you are without the other person than it is a toxic relationship. Toxic relationships are anything that harms you in anyway. This includes your mental state. If your mental state is harmed in any form, whether it is because they are rude to you and degrade your mentality or any other way. To understand if you are in a toxic relationship you must take a step back and evaluated who you are without this person and with this person and figure out for yourself if it's better or worst for you.
Anonymous
November 11th, 2018 3:12pm
A toxic relationship can be hard to identify, and can also be extremely damaging on your mental health in terms of self esteem, trust and anxiety. Generally, these kind of relationships manifest themselves in the form of a partner who puts their own needs above your own. They may often lie about their actions or whereabouts, or go out of their way to put you down and hurt you. The severity of feeling you may be in a toxic relationship should not be undermined, and don't let anyone tell you that you are making it up. If you feel afraid, threatened or undervalued, talk to someone you love and trust about how you are feeling. You are the expert on you, and you deserve a healthy, reciprocal relationship.
Anonymous
November 17th, 2018 4:45pm
There are many components that go into being in a toxic relationship. Do you find yourself afraid to express your feelings to your partner? Do you feel that you are being controlled by your partner? Do you feel that you have to walk on eggshells all the time in order to avoid conflict with your partner? Do your partner's needs come before your own? Do you find yourself making excesses for your partner's actions? Do you take responsibility for your partners actions? Does your partner try to "gaslight" you, or make you second-guess yourself when you try to talk about an issue? Does your partner have a way of making everything your fault or everyone else's fault? Does your partner harm you verbally or physically? Do you live in fear while with your partner? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, I would say that you are in a toxic relationship.
rxgdxll
May 2nd, 2019 10:58pm
If the person you are in a relationship with tends to exhibit a lot of the ‘toxic’ trates then they are. One large thing to watch for is that they want to control you in everything they can. Control what you do, where you go and who you talk to. The toxic person will try to make you be what they want. They’ll try to pull you seat social activities, such as keeping you from going places, hanging out with friends or anything that involves you being out of their control. There are a lot more things, but you should be able to look them up to find them online if you need/want more
Anonymous
November 4th, 2018 8:41am
Hi there, if you are asking this question you re probably in one. Toxic person is someone who isn’t happy with himself. He tries to find happiness through attention and manipulating his /her partner. Signs of a toxic person- Controlling behaviour- they tend to control everything that you do. Because they like to feel superior in every way possible Craving for attention- Gaining attention from the crowd makes them feel loved. They lack self love so they want others to love and admire them! Manipulative conversation- a toxic person always manipulates a situation or truth. Their ultimate goal is to gain sympathy. They confuse you in a way that you start blaming yourself for their mistakes Emotional blackmail - they tend to find your weakness and blackmail you with you most of the times. It would be something like.. I ll kill myself if you leave me , etc. they want to gain the control over everything including you Extreme anger issues - acts of slamming doors, throwing things etc sometimes it might lead to more . The more you stay the more tormented and addicted you feel Yes being with a toxic person is some kind of addiction as smoking cigarettes you know it’s bad for you but you can’t really find a way to leave it. If you re in a relationship with one I urge you to leave and move on. You re letting someone suck the soul out of you and in return you re giving them unconditional love.. not a fair trade I suppose.