8 Signs of a Toxic Relationship & 4 Reasons Why It's Hard to Leave

The trademark of a toxic relationship is the fact it is harmful, negative, and detrimental to one or both partners involved.

Patterns of behavior that are emotionally or physically abusive, controlling, manipulative, and/or disrespectful are the order of the day and one or both partners may feel constantly drained, anxious, or unhappy due to the toxic dynamic. 

Although the term is usually used in relation to romantic relationships, toxicity can exist even in familial, professional, or platonic relationships.

It's important to recognize the signs of a toxic relationship and seek help or support if you are in one. 

8 Signs of a Toxic Relationship 

Constant criticism.

If one partner is always criticizing the other, it can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and self-worth.

Controlling behavior.

If one partner is always trying to control the other's behavior, it can lead to feelings of resentment and frustration.

Lack of trust.

If there is a lack of trust in the relationship, it can lead to feelings of insecurity and anxiety.

Emotional manipulation.

If one partner is always using emotional manipulation tactics to get what they want, it can lead to anxiety and fear. 

Constant fighting.

If there is constant arguing and fighting in the relationship, it can be a sign that the relationship is toxic and not healthy.

Isolation from friends and family.

If one partner is isolating the other from their friends and family, it can be a sign of a controlling and toxic relationship.

Lack of communication.

If there is a lack of open and honest communication in the relationship, it can be a sign that the relationship is toxic and both parties are not open enough.

Disrespectful behavior.

If one partner is consistently disrespectful towards the other, it can result in overstepping boundaries. 

Despite these negative and damaging signs, one might feel trapped or unable to leave the relationship, even though it is causing them harm. Here are some of the reasons why this could be the case. 

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4 Reasons Why It Can Be Hard to Leave a Toxic Relationship

Hope.

We all know that a little bit of hope can carry us through some trying times.

Some people who are in toxic relationships have hope that the relationship will change for the better. The grounds for this differ for each person. For others, religious beliefs convince them that the abuse will end and there will be happiness and satisfaction in the relationship.

In some cases, people have seen other once toxic relationships change; so they believe that their turn will also come. 

Moreover, in most cases, toxic relationships aren’t always toxic. There are some windows where the people involved are genuinely happy. These periods also increase hope that the relationship has the potential to become healthy. 

Fear of being lonely.

Those of us who got to eat lunch alone at school at some point because we knew no one - we understand what loneliness is like. It is a terrible feeling and most of us will do the best we can to avoid it. 

Usually, toxic individuals isolate their partners from their friends and family. Once isolated, this partner largely depends on the toxic individual for social interactions. Those who are in such abusive relationships know that if they leave, they will be alone, and as a result, they stay just so they are not lonely. 

The need for financial support.

It is common to have single-income households.

The two people agree that one person will generate income, while the other will handle other aspects of the home. This agreement works well. But, if a relationship becomes toxic, one person might not be able to leave as they won’t be able to support themselves financially. 

Societal pressure.

This is fairly common in communities where people who are married are expected to be together for life.

In such communities, break-ups are stigmatized, and people are expected to ‘hang in there’ and go through ‘trials and tribulations’ but never leave.

Those who find themselves in toxic relationships in such contexts are unfortunate, because they are likely to stay in the relationship just so they are not harshly judged. 

A Word From Daily Motivation

Toxic relationships are hard, and not everyone has the courage to admit that they are in one.  

Next time you meet someone who is in a toxic relationship, remember to be kind to them. They are likely going through some unimaginable struggles which they just can’t talk to you about. Leaving is not always as easy as we might think. 

It is our responsibility to help them understand that them being victims of abuse is not their fault. We can remind them that abuse often escalates over time. Something we also need to teach our children from an early age is that love will never be presented as abuse. 

Moreover, we should also spread awareness regarding how to deal with abuse. 

If you or someone you know feels like they are in danger - CALL 911. 

If you or someone you know identifies with any form of abuse, or you feel like you need help and support, there are many groups that offer services to help: 

In Canada, contact Ending Violence Association of Canada. 

In the USA, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

The UK, contact Safelives.org.uk.

In Australia, contact Reachout.com.

For other areas in the world, contact the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender Based Violence.

Photo by Alena Darmel