Toxic relationships can be difficult to identify, but there are 10 signs to look out for. These include feeling frustrated, angry or sad more than happy, having low self-esteem due to constant apologizing or defending yourself, being isolated from family and friends, experiencing abusive behavior, being subjected to jealousy and possessiveness, having boundaries repeatedly disrespected, being gaslit, partners not taking responsibility for their actions, dealing with drugs or alcohol addiction and not being supported in your dreams and goals. It’s important to reassess and take action if any of these signs sound familiar.

10 Signs That You Are in a Toxic Relationship

You Feel Frustrated, Angry or Sad More Than You Feel Happy

One of the biggest signs that you are in a toxic relationship is that you are not happy. You may feel like you are constantly walking on eggshells around your partner and anything you do could upset them. You may feel like nothing you do is ever good enough and that everything always ends in a fight. If you feel frustrated, angry, or sad more than you feel happy, it’s time to assess the relationship.

You Don’t Feel Good About Yourself

Toxic relationships can chip away at your self-esteem. If you feel like you’re always apologizing or defending yourself, if you feel guilty or ashamed, if your partner constantly points out your flaws and shortcomings, then you may be in a toxic relationship. Healthy relationships should make you feel good about yourself and lift you up.

Your Partner Isolates You

A toxic partner may try to isolate you from your family and friends or make you feel guilty for spending time away from them. They may try to control your schedule and who you spend time with. This is a major red flag and one of the most dangerous aspects of toxic relationships. It’s important to have a support system outside of your partner.

Your Partner Is Abusive

Abusive behavior can come in many forms, including physical, emotional or verbal. If your partner is constantly belittling you, criticizing you, or calling you names, it’s time to leave the relationship. No one should be subjected to abuse in any form, and it’s not your fault if your partner is abusive.

Your Partner Is Jealous and Possessive

Jealousy and possessiveness are warning signs of a toxic relationship. If your partner doesn’t trust you and accuses you of cheating or flirting with others, it may be time to have a serious discussion about trust and respect.

Your Partner Disrespects Your Boundaries

In healthy relationships, partners respect each other’s boundaries. If your partner consistently violates your boundaries and doesn’t respect your wishes, it’s important to have a conversation about what is and isn’t acceptable behavior.

Your Partner Gaslights You

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where a person makes you doubt your own reality. If your partner consistently makes you feel crazy or blames you for things that aren’t your fault, it’s important to recognize this behavior as manipulative and abusive.

Your Partner Doesn’t Take Responsibility for Their Actions

In healthy relationships, both partners take responsibility for their actions. If your partner is always blaming you or others for their problems or mistakes and never takes responsibility for their actions, it may be time to take a step back and reassess the relationship.

Your Partner Is Addicted to Drugs or Alcohol

Addiction can take a major toll on a relationship. Substance abuse can lead to emotional, verbal, or physical abuse, which can be traumatic and dangerous to live with. If your partner is addicted to drugs or alcohol and refuses to seek help or get treatment, it may be time to leave the relationship.

Your Partner Doesn’t Support Your Goals or Dreams

In healthy relationships, partners support each other’s goals and dreams. If your partner is constantly putting you down or discouraging you from pursuing your passions, it may be time to think about what you really want from the relationship.

In conclusion, toxic relationships come in many forms and can be difficult to recognize. If you identify with any of these signs, it’s important to take a step back and assess the relationship. Remember, healthy relationships are built on respect, trust, and mutual support.