If you consistently feel drained or unhappy after spending time with your partner, it could be a sign that things need to change.
If you’re in a toxic relationship, you may recognize some of these signs in your partner, yourself, or the relationship itself.
Change in the way you communicate
Instead of treating each other with love and kindness, most of your conversations now are filled with criticism, or sarcasm. You may even start to avoid talking to each other and eventually communication will start to feel like a difficult task.
Controlling behaviors
Asking unnecessary questions or becoming overly upset when you don’t immediately answer texts or calls are both signs of controlling behavior, which contributes to toxicity in a relationship.
Lack of self-care
In a toxic relationship, you might let go of your usual self-care habits.
You might withdraw from hobbies you once loved, neglect your health, and do not utilize your free time in doing fun things.
Lost relationships
You’ve stopped spending time with friends and family, either to avoid conflict with your partner or to get around having to explain what’s happening in your relationship.
Wishing for change
You might stay in the relationship because you see the other person’s potential or think that if you just change yourself and your actions, they’ll change as well.
Dishonesty
You find yourself constantly making up lies about your whereabouts or who you meet up with to avoid spending time with your partner.
Constant stress
A little amount of stress in every relationship is normal but finding yourself constantly on edge is an indicator that something’s not right and that it is alarming.
This ongoing stress can take a toll on your physical and emotional health as well.
How can you save your relationship?
After having discussed about a toxic relationship, now the question is, Is there a way to save your relationship? Here are a few signs that might help you to fix your relationship.
Acceptance of responsibility
Recognizing the past behaviors that have harmed the relationship is vital on both ends. It reflects an interest in self-awareness and self-responsibility.
Practice healthy communication
Pay close attention to how you talk to each other as you mend things. Be gentle with each other. Avoid sarcasm and rude conversations, at least for the time being.
Hold space for the other’s change
Remember, things won’t change overnight. Over the coming months, work together on being flexible and patient with each other as you grow.
Be accountable
Both partners must acknowledge their part in fostering the toxicity.
This means identifying and taking responsibility for your own actions. It’s also about being present and engaged during difficult conversations. Avoid putting blames on each other.
Don’t dwell on the past
Resist the temptation to constantly refer back to negative scenarios.