When you’re in a relationship, it’s easy to get swept up in feelings and excitement. However, if everything seems so great and smooth, still there might be some indications that need your attention. We call these alarms red flags.
Sometimes it’s not so easy to spot red flags in a relationship. However, learning how to recognize them can be the difference between protecting your emotional health and well being.
In this blog post, We’ll explore signs of a toxic relationship, from manipulation to gaslighting and more. By the end of this post, you’ll learn how to recognize toxic relationship signs and the difference between just a few minor issues and more serious dynamics.
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Let’s get started!
What are Red Flags in a Relationship?
The red flags are basically warning signs that indicate something might be wrong with your relationship. It can go from subtle like dismissive comments to downright serious like controlling tendencies. Many of these are signs of deeper issues that will all too soon boil over if not addressed.
Sometimes you won’t see red flags right away, but when they show up, they’re pretty impossible to miss. Constant criticism, or lack of trust or disrespect are few of the examples of red flags.
If your partner is constantly undermining your opinions, dismissing your feelings or controlling, you’ve got a partner who is on the path to becoming a toxic person.
7 Warning Signs of a Toxic Relationship
Photo Credit: By Emily Dahl
Not every relationship is toxic. But how do you know if you’re living in a toxic relationship or not? Below, we’re mentioning 7 warning signs of a toxic relationship. If you see any of these signs in your partner, then this should be concerning for you.
- Controlling Behavior
A sure sign of toxicity is if your partner dictates every move you make, from the people you hang out with to decisions about your career. You should not be worried about the backlash or excessive monitoring while making your own choices.
- Extreme Jealousy
It’s not always bad to be jealous in a relationship, but when it gets so obsessive, it’s a red flag in a relationship. Constant accusations of cheating or your partner checking your texts or calls is a breach of trust and unhealthy as hell.
- Manipulation
Manipulation is there when your partner twists circumstances or conversations in order to make you feel guilty or to gain an advantage.
Guilt tripping or blaming the other person for everything are the main signs of manipulation in a relationship.
- Gaslighting
Gaslighting could be going on if you often wonder whether you are even remembering, feeling or perceiving things correctly during arguments.
Such statements as “You’re overreacting,” or “That never happened” are intended to make you feel unstable, and therefore give your partner power over the narrative.
- Disrespect
Any healthy relationship is built on respect. If your partner doesn’t believe in your accomplishments, laughs at your opinions, or steps on your boundaries, this can create an environment of constant tension and unhappiness.
- Isolation
Does your partner actively or passively dissuade you from spending time with family or friends? Toxic people often isolate you to make you so dependent on them that it becomes harder and harder to leave the relationship.
- Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse can be as simple as ignoring you or as hurtful as calling you names. If your partner undermines your self esteem or makes you feel ‘less than,’ it’s time to realize that these problems extend beyond small arguments.
Toxic Relationships vs. Abusive Relationships
Toxic relationships and abusive relationships share certain characteristics, but they aren’t the same. While all abusive relationships are toxic, not all toxic relationships qualify as abusive.
Here’s a breakdown:
Now that we’ve distinguished between toxic and abusive relationships, the next logical question is why don’t we always notice these toxic behaviors early on?
Why Don’t We Always See Red Flags Early On?
Photo Credit: Dr. Rebekah
If it was quite easy to spot toxic relationship signs, then there would have been less people in toxic dynamics.
When you care for your partner deeply and the emotions are also involved, you don’t want to even think that your partner is toxic. You always give yourself excuses about his toxic behaviour. Love or even hope can make you look at the positives and not the negatives.
Another big reason is that toxic behaviors don’t show up overnight; they grow slowly. The toxic behaviors usually start small. For example, a joke your insecurity might turn into constant criticism. It is harder to see what is happening because it is gradual. Sometimes you are afraid or you do not have enough self esteem to face the problem.
Perhaps you’re afraid of rocking the relationship, or afraid of conflict if you bring up the issue. The fear toxic partners feed off of makes it that much harder for you to speak up.
Here’s what you need to do if you see these red flags in your own relationship.
What to Do if You Spot Red Flags in a Relationship?
If you’ve identified signs of a toxic relationship, it’s essential to take action and your well-being depends on it. Here are some steps you can take:
- Communicate Concerns
If you have something bothering you, talk openly about it. Healthy partners will try to understand and resolve the issue while toxic ones will minimize or avoid accountability. If your partner doesn’t want to change, the next best thing to do is set boundaries.
- Set and Enforce Boundaries
Tell him what you’re willing to tolerate and what you aren’t in the relationship. Boundaries are non negotiable and they are the framework on how you allow others to treat you.
If you find that you continually have to set boundaries with your partner, and they ignore them, it might be the safest, wisest choice to leave.
- Know When to Leave
Sometimes walking away is the healthiest thing to do. It’s hard, but leaving a toxic relationship allows for healthier, fulfilling relationships down the road. You can learn more about what is the right time to leave a relationship.
Final Thoughts!
Red flags in a relationship aren’t just about identifying problems, it’s about valuing yourself enough to talk about them. These toxic relationship signs are ones that you shouldn’t ignore, from controlling behavior to emotional abuse.
If you are seeing these red flags in your relationship, this is an opportunity to take a step back, have a second look, and make decisions that will allow you to grow. There is never any excuse for toxic behavior, and you shouldn’t have to accept anything less than respect, kindness, and love.
Trust yourself as you are the creator of your own life and relationships and you have the power to create the life and relationships you deserve!
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