{"id":19905,"date":"2020-06-25T09:06:50","date_gmt":"2020-06-25T16:06:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/datemixstaging.wpengine.com\/?p=19905"},"modified":"2021-05-31T07:54:15","modified_gmt":"2021-05-31T14:54:15","slug":"what-is-a-toxic-relationship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zoosk.com\/date-mix\/relationship-advice\/relationship-problems\/what-is-a-toxic-relationship\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is A Toxic Relationship? The Red Flags And No-Go’s"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What is a toxic relationship? Understanding the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship can help you protect yourself from physical and emotional harm. Red flags include excessive jealousy, persistent criticism and a disrespect for your personal boundaries. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it may be difficult to <\/span>break up with your partner<\/span><\/a>, it\u2019s easier once you know what the warning signs are. Here are the red flags of a toxic relationship, and how to notice if you\u2019re in one.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a toxic relationship?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Checking in with how you\u2019re feeling is the easiest way to answer the question \u201cwhat is a toxic relationship?\u201d If you\u2019re constantly feeling drained, insecure and unsafe, then it may be time to reconsider your commitment to your partner. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

No relationship is perfect. But, if you often feel uneasy around your partner, then you need to take the time to figure out why you feel this way.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Excessive jealousy<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While<\/span> jealousy is a natural part of being in a relationship<\/span><\/a>, the way that your partner responds to feeling jealous is important. If they try to blame you for their discomfort or they become controlling, then it\u2019s a sign that you\u2019re in an unhealthy relationship. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Demanding to know where you are every moment of the day, reading your private messages on your phone and insisting that you spend all of your time together are concerning responses to jealousy.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isolation from friends and family<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dating is exciting and it\u2019s natural to want to spend time cuddled up with your significant other. As a result, you may find yourself seeing your family and friends less than you did when you were single.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you notice that you\u2019re cut off from all the people who support you, then you may be in a toxic relationship. Controlling partners are often threatened by outside influences on your relationship. In response, they\u2019re likely to criticize your friends and avoid participating in social activities.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Persistent criticism<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feelings of insecurity naturally arise in relationships, especially when you\u2019ve started dating someone new. However, when you\u2019re constantly feeling inadequate, it\u2019s time to reconsider your relationship. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your partner\u2019s continually criticizing you and putting you down, it\u2019s a reason for concern. You deserve to date someone who celebrates your accomplishments and offers you support rather than belittling you.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disrespect for your boundaries<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a healthy relationship, you should feel comfortable establishing your boundaries and saying no. Toxic partners disregard your boundaries and constantly push your limits. This inconsiderate behavior can leave you feeling insecure, frustrated and overwhelmed. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeling like there is no way out of your relationship is cause for concern. While you may feel sad at the thought of breaking up with your partner, a harmful relationship will cause you more pain in the long run. If you feel like you can\u2019t escape, take time out to decide what you really want.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gaslighting<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you constantly doubting yourself?<\/span> Gaslighting<\/span><\/a> takes place when your partner continuously makes you doubt your perception of reality. If you question their difficult behavior, they\u2019ll find a way to blame you for it. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The insidious nature of gaslighting means that your partner will carefully hide their manipulation so that it\u2019s difficult to confront them and address how they are behaving.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lack of self-care<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another red flag to be wary of is if you\u2019re putting your partner\u2019s needs first all the time. Relationships involve give and take so that both partners\u2019 needs are met. If you don\u2019t have a spare moment to take time out for yourself, it\u2019s an indication of a larger problem. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your partner may be needy or you\u2019ve taken it upon yourself to disregard your own desires so that you can prioritize their needs. Either way, a lack of self-care is a warning sign.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thinking that your partner will change<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the warning signs are there but you stick around because you think that your partner will change, it\u2019s an indication of a harmful dynamic. While you may still enjoy plenty of fun moments together, it doesn\u2019t make up for the damage that a toxic relationship causes over time. Hoping that your partner will change is likely to lead to disappointment.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re wondering what is a toxic relationship and notice these red flags, it may be time to make a change. In a relationship where you feel safe to express yourself, you could consider communicating with your partner about how their behavior makes you feel. However, if you\u2019re worried about your emotional and physical well-being,<\/span> letting go and moving on may be best<\/span><\/a> for you! <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

These are the warning signs of a toxic relationship. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":214,"featured_media":19906,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[997,898],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19905","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-love-advice","category-relationship-problems"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhat Is A Toxic Relationship? The Red Flags And No-Go's<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you're wondering what is a toxic relationship, we break down the red flags. 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