In a romantic relationship, there are ups and downs because the relationship between two different individuals involves two different minds, which often leads to conflict in the course of the couple undergoing the relationship. Maintaining a stable relationship is not easy. Fights are normal.

However, it becomes unhealthy if the fights included acts of hurting each other both verbally and physically. On this occasion, The S Media will provide information on what you need to know about toxic relationships, and how to tell if you’re in one.

About Toxic Relationship

Based on time.com, Dr. Lillian Glass, a California-based communication and psychology expert, toxic relationship is “any relationship [between people who] don’t support each other, where there’s conflict and one seeks to undermine the other, where there’s competition, where there’s disrespect and a lack of cohesiveness.”

Glass said toxic relationships are simply the result of an imperfect pairing, like a controlling type dating someone who is a people-pleaser. “It’s just that the combination is wrong,” she said.

Do You See the Red Flags?

When you’re in a toxic relationship, it is not always easy to notice the red flags popping up. You could notice some of these signs in yourself, your partner, or the relationship itself.

According to healthline.com, you should immediately reconsider your relationship if it has the following signs:

• Lack of support
• Toxic communication
• Envy or jealousy
• Controlling behaviour
• Resentment
• Dishonesty
• Patterns of disrespect
• Negative financial behaviours
• Constant stress
• Ignoring your needs
• Lost relationships
• Lack of self-care
• Abusive behaviours

How to End a Toxic Relationship?

Now, you know what the signs of an unhealthy relationship are. It's good if the signs are not in your relationship or in you and your partner. However, if you see one or more of these signs in yourself, your partner, and your relationship, then now is a perfect time to reconsider whether you should continue your relationship or not.

Ending a toxic relationship will not be an easy and quick journey. But it will be worth it. According to psychcentral.com,  to end a toxic relationship, you’ll need to do a lot of soul-searching, planning, talking it out, and then walking the tightrope to a new life. You may do these steps to end a toxic relationship:

• Step out of denial
• Keep a log of emotions
• Identify the perks
• Fill the holes in your heart with other positive things
• Surround yourself with good friends
• Drop a note to yourself
• Treat yourself better
• Heal the guilt
• Repeat affirmations
• Allow some rest

Be sure to take the time and energy to do it properly. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been in a relationship for a long time. You always have a way out and a right to take that path.

No matter what step of ending a toxic relationship you’re at, congratulate yourself for coming this far. Remind yourself that you deserve a healthy relationship.