Understanding The Counseling Process

Four Signs You're in a Toxic Relationship

17 January 2017

Timmothy Washington

Whether a problematic person is a partner, co-worker, or friend, toxic people have real ramifications for your life. Being involved in these relationships can create roadblocks that keep you from reaching your goals, both personally and professionally. However, it's not always easy for people to recognize when they are involved in a toxic relationship. Make sure you know what warning signs to look out for.

You Easily Get Out of Character

If the individual's actions can easily take you out of character, this is a problem. In some instances, this might be an indication that you need to perform some self-reflection; however, it is often a sign that the individual has control and influence over you. If not corrected, this could lead you to behave in ways that are uncharacteristic and dangerous and need to be addressed.

You Take Blame for Their Behavior

People in toxic relationships often feel like they are to blame when the toxic individual acts irresponsibility or erratically. The perfect example of this is an abusive relationship. In these scenarios, the victim often feels like their actions agitated the abuser to the point that they had no other choice but to react with physical, emotional, or other violence. You are never responsible for someone else's actions and should take no responsibility.

Other Areas of Your Life Are Suffering

Your relationships with others should never influence other areas of your life. If an individual is causing you to miss time from work or neglect yourself or is even hindering relationships with other people in your life, such as your family, this is not something you want to take lightly. A healthy relationship should blend in with other areas of your life. If this is not happening, you could be involved in a toxic relationship.

Your Partner Controls Your Life

Be wary when you have someone in your life that wants to control what you do. A controlling relationship doesn't always have to be a recognizable as someone who keeps you from doing things you want to do. Even if the person tries to tell you what to eat or what to watch on television, this is a sign of control and a dangerous level of toxicity.

Don't let a toxic individual overtake your life. It's your life to live, not theirs. While it can be difficult to separate from these people, or at the very least, create healthy boundaries, there are professionals such as life coaches who can help you.

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