Signs You Are in a Toxic Relationship
have ever mentioned things to you before about your relationship that you ’ ve never noticed yourself . So to help , we ’ ve tapped a ton of mental health experts who have provided a list of not-so-obvious signs that you may be in a toxic relationship — whether with a romantic partner or coworker or friend or whatever else . But don ’ t worry , we also have some tips and advice for WTF to do when you realize this list is a lil too familiar .
Signs You Are in a Toxic Relationship
1 . Your partner gaslights you by either telling you how you feel or devalues your feelings when you share them , says Piper . ( Aka if anyone has ever said the words “ you ’ re being so sensitive right now ” after you expressed an issue with them .)
2 . Your partner blames you for a problem they caused . This is called scapegoating , and it happens “ when an individual will displace their problems onto someone , leaving them to feel guilt and shame when they were not the source of the problem ,” says Lori Nixon Bethea , PhD , owner of Intentional Hearts Counselling Services . ( Like , has your significant other ever blamed you for the fact that they cheated ?)
3 . They isolate you from friends , family , or plans . “ Many times in toxic relationships , the toxic individual will seek to isolate you in order to gain control over you or feel that they have control over you ," says licensed therapist Oddesty K . Langham . A prime example : Maybe you tell your partner that you have plans Thursday night , but they say , “ Ah , no , I was going to surprise you with a special dinner that night ,” and this happens over , and over , and over again to the point of seeming intentional .
4 . They are notorious for playing the victim card . “ If every time you tell your significant other how you feel about something , they find a way to make it about them or somehow become the victim despite you bringing awareness to your feelings ," says Langham . “ It is impossible to create balance in a relationship with a person who is only concerned with their own feelings .”
5 . You are experiencing more stress , anxiety or excessive worry — or maybe even a weakened immune system . “ Toxic relationships tend to make us go into fight or flight response , which in turn causes our bodies to work overtime , which can lead to health issues ,” says