Signs Your Relationship Is Becoming Toxic,

A healthy relationship should make you feel valued, loved, respected, and emotionally secure. Although all relationships will have ups and downs, disagreements and misunderstandings will happen; however, this will bring you and your partner closer together. Sadly, not all relationships will be healthy and sometimes small behaviours can begin to form into patterns that can impact how happy, confident and mentally well you are.

Toxic relationships do not always involve arguing. They can develop due to manipulation, constant criticism, controlling behaviours and a lack of respect. Knowing the signs can help you understand what is going on and what you can do to help yourself in the future.

Here are 10 key signs your relationship may be becoming toxic.

1. You Constantly feel disrespected

Respect is a very important part of any successful relationship. Whilst you do not have to agree with everything your partner says, they should respect your opinions, feelings, boundaries and choices.

If you are constantly being made fun of, insulted, dismissed and talked down to by your partner, it could be an indication that your relationship is not healthy. Arguing occasionally is completely normal; however, constantly feeling disrespected should never be accepted.

You deserve someone who will value your opinion.

2. Your Partner Tries to Control Your Life

Everyone should show care towards their partner; however, if they are trying to control every part of your life then it is not healthy.

They may try to control who you can see, what you can wear, where you can go and how you spend your time. They may also get angry if they feel you are making your own decisions.

This can leave you feeling that you have lost your freedom. A healthy relationship should allow you both to stay independent.

3. Communication Always Turns Into Arguments

Healthy communication can help couples understand each other and overcome issues; however, if your relationship is toxic then simple conversations can cause stress.

You may begin to feel nervous about opening up as you know your partner will get angry, defensive or dismissive. They may also change the subject, blame you or argue about everything.

Healthy partners understand that communication is not about winning but listening and understanding.

4. You Are Always Blamed for Everything

Taking on responsibility for your mistakes is a key part of a healthy relationship. Both partners should be willing to admit their actions and apologise when needed.

However, if your partner is toxic they may never take on responsibility. Even if they clearly made a mistake, they will find a way to blame you.

Eventually you may start to doubt yourself and believe that everything is your fault. This can impact how confident you are and make it difficult to recognise when you are being treated unfairly.

Remember your relationship is a two-way thing and you should not be taking on all of the responsibility.

5. Your Partner Uses Emotional Manipulation

Emotional manipulation can be hard to spot as it can creep in slowly. Your partner may try to manipulate you using guilt, fear, silence or emotional pressure.

They may make you feel guilty for seeing your friends or working on your goals. Or they may threaten to end the relationship if you disagree with them.

They may also try to make you doubt how you are feeling or what you remember.

A healthy partner should respect your emotions.

6. Feeling emotionally drained

You should not feel constantly drained in your relationship. Whilst all couples will have tough times, there should also be happy, comfortable, funny and emotionally supportive times.

If you are constantly feeling stressed, anxious, sad or emotionally drained due to your partner's behaviour then this should be noted.

You may find yourself worrying about how they will react, overthinking what you say or feeling relieved when you are not with them.

Your emotional wellbeing is important. You should not be sacrificing your peace of mind for love.

7. Your Partner Does Not Respect Your Boundaries

Having personal boundaries in any healthy relationship is important to help you stay you, private and emotionally comfortable.

A toxic partner may disregard your boundaries. They may look through your phone without asking, want to know what you are saying in private, put you in uncomfortable situations or refuse to give you space.

Just because you are in a relationship does not mean you should lose your privacy and independence.

Both partners should understand that trust comes from honesty and respect.

8. You Are Becoming Isolated From Friends and Family

Healthy relationships should help you build healthy relationships with others. You should not feel guilty for seeing your friends, visiting family or enjoying your own time.

However, in an unhealthy relationship one person may try to stop you from building relationships. They may criticise your friends, create arguments before visiting family or want all of your attention.

This can cause you to slowly become isolated from those who actually care.

Building relationships with your friends and family is important to keep you emotionally balanced. A loving partner should want to help you build relationships.

9. Trust Has Disappeared

Trust can make you feel emotionally secure and stable within a relationship. If there is no trust, then simple situations can cause stress.

Constant lying, broken promises, secrecy and accusations can cause trust to break down between partners.

You may begin to doubt everything your partner says or feel the need to check their actions.

Without honesty, consistent effort, accountability and patience, trust cannot be rebuilt.

10. You No longer like yourself

One of the most serious signs may be that you notice you are no longer like yourself and are unhappy with the changes.

You may no longer enjoy your hobbies, have lost confidence, given up on your goals or are scared to be yourself.

You are constantly trying to avoid making your partner upset.

A healthy relationship should encourage personal growth. Both partners should feel they can grow their interests, chase their dreams and be themselves without fear.

If you no longer recognise who you have become then it may be time to consider if your relationship is fulfilling your emotional needs.

How to deal with a toxic relationship

The first step to making positive changes is recognising the negative behaviours. Honestly consider how your relationship is impacting your everyday life and emotional wellbeing.

If you can, then communicate your concerns clearly. Let them know what behaviours need to change. Set some reasonable boundaries and see if they are respecting them consistently.

Speak to someone you trust such as a friend, family member or qualified counsellor. Getting an outside view can help you understand the situation.

Most importantly, remember that it is not your responsibility to change someone else. If there are any threats, intimidation, violence or controlling behaviours then your safety should come first. You do not need to put yourself in an unsafe situation to show how much you love them.

Final Thoughts

A healthy relationship is based around mutual respect, trust, honesty, understanding and emotional support. Issues will occur; however, if there are constant patterns of manipulation, disrespect, controlling behaviours and lack of emotional support then this should not be ignored.

Knowing the signs of a toxic relationship does not mean you have failed; it just means you are beginning to understand your emotional needs. Everyone deserves to be in a relationship where they feel valued, listened to, respected and safe. Remember love should help you become a better version of yourself.

Sometimes, knowing there need to be changes in your current situation can be the most important step to a happier future.