Five Signs You May Be in a Toxic Relationship
Are you concerned with your safety when you are around your significant other? Do you worry that your significant other’s behaviors are negatively affecting your emotional health? When you are in an abusive or toxic relationship, you may feel as though you are trapped, afraid, or even alone. In our marriage therapy in Orlando, many couples work through their issues so they can provide their loved ones with a safe and loving environment. These are a few signs that you may be in a toxic relationship.
Everything is about them.
When you are in a one-sided relationship, you may constantly struggle to find your own voice. Over time, this can cause you to become silenced, or even feel as though your opinions and thoughts do not matter. Being belittled or ignored on a routine basis is unhealthy to your self-esteem. You may even start to lose sight of the things you once loved, especially if you are always doing something for your spouse. This can cause you to become full of self-doubt, low self-confidence, depression, or even feelings of worthlessness.
You are uncomfortable being around them.
When you are anxious, stressed, or afraid to be around your spouse, something is wrong. Being uncomfortable in their presence can lead you to question yourself or make changes to yourself to mold into what they want you to be. By doing this, you lose your sense of self and your independence. Many people in toxic relationships bite their tongue for fear of what their spouse will say or do.
Everything is your fault.
Are you constantly being blamed for things in your marriage? Do you feel like everything is always your fault? Being in a toxic relationship may also mean that you are the one to blame when anything – no matter how big or small – goes wrong. You may start to believe that you are not good enough, lose your confidence, or even feel ashamed of yourself over time.
You are not allowed to make changes.
When you are in a relationship with a controlling individual, they may forbid you from making any changes to your lifestyle or appearance. They can manipulate you to feel inadequate or mock you for making any changes that you may want in your life. By discouraging you from making changes or improvements to your life, they withhold you from growth and success for their own personal reasons.
You feel afraid when you are with them.
Being afraid to be with your spouse is another red flag that you are in a toxic relationship. If you are afraid for your emotional or physical safety, you will want to reach out for help immediately. Establish a support system of trusted friends and family so that you can have a group of people that can keep you safe and secure if you are in danger.
These are a few of the signs that may indicate that you are involved in a toxic relationship. Living in a toxic relationship can have devastating consequences on your lifestyle, damaging your mental health and perhaps even your physical health. In marriage therapy in Orlando, you can learn how to develop a healthy and thriving relationship that focuses on mutual respect. Contact us to hear about our approach to marriage therapy today.
