10 Signs You’re in a Toxic Relationship

Sikandar Ali Shah
6 min readFeb 10, 2023

Relationships are supposed to be a source of comfort, love, and support. However, not all relationships are healthy and some can be quite toxic. If you’re in a relationship that makes you feel drained, worthless, and unhappy, it may be time to reconsider whether it’s the right one for you. In this blog, I will discuss 10 signs that you’re in a toxic relationship and what you can do about it.

What Is A Toxic Relationship?

Before learning the signs of a toxic relationship, you might be a little bit curious to know what a toxic relationship looks like, right? It is most probable that you might have experienced it in your life or have seen it. According to the DailyMail, Around 60 percent of relationships are toxic; they are in relationships that we don’t find fulfilling at all. It is quite alarming, isn’t it?

A toxic relationship is a pattern of behavior in a relationship that is emotionally and/or physically harmful to one or both partners. This type of relationship is characterized by patterns of abuse, manipulation, control, and unhealthy dependency. In a toxic relationship, one partner may engage in behaviors such as verbal or physical abuse, controlling behavior, or manipulation, while the other partner may feel trapped, constantly criticized, or like they’re walking on eggshells. The consequences of toxic relationships can be severe, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and physical health problems. If you’re in a toxic relationship, it’s important to seek help and support to get out of the situation as soon as possible.

10 Signs You’re in a Toxic Relationship

If you have any of the following signs, then you are in a toxic relationship;

Sign #1: Your partner is controlling

If your partner tries to control your every move, from what you wear to who you talk to, you may be in a toxic relationship. Controlling behavior is a hallmark of toxic relationships and can quickly escalate into emotional abuse. You should never feel like you’re walking on eggshells or like you have to constantly explain yourself to your partner. If this sounds like your relationship, it’s time to take a step back and assess whether it’s healthy or not.

Sign #2: You feel constantly criticized

Constructive criticism can be a good thing in a relationship, but toxic partners often use criticism as a weapon. If your partner is constantly tearing you down, calling you names, or making you feel bad about yourself, this is a red flag. No one deserves to be treated this way, and it’s important to recognize that you deserve better.

Sign #3: Your partner is emotionally unstable

If your partner is quick to anger, frequently lashes out, or has extreme mood swings, this is a sign of emotional instability. This type of behavior can be incredibly draining, and it’s not healthy for you to be constantly walking on eggshells around your partner. If your partner’s emotional instability is causing problems in your relationship, it’s time to have a serious conversation about what you both need to do to address the issue.

Sign #4: Your partner is physically abusive

Physical abuse is never acceptable in any relationship. If your partner has ever hit, pushed, or otherwise physically hurt you, this is a clear sign that you’re in a toxic relationship. No one deserves to be treated this way, and it’s important to seek help and get out of the relationship as soon as possible.

Sign #5: Your partner is always blaming others

Toxic partners often play the blame game, always blaming others for their problems and never taking responsibility for their own actions. If your partner constantly points the finger at others, including you, this is a sign of a toxic relationship. Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect and trust, and if your partner can’t take responsibility for their own actions, it’s unlikely that your relationship will last.

Sign #6: Your partner is never satisfied

Toxic partners often have high expectations that are impossible to meet. They may constantly criticize you for not being good enough or for not doing enough, even when you’re giving your all. If you feel like you can never make your partner happy, it’s a sign that you’re in a toxic relationship.

Sign #7: You feel like you’re walking on eggshells

If you’re constantly worried about your partner’s reactions, feel like you have to be careful about what you say and do, or avoid certain topics or activities because you’re afraid of how your partner will react, you’re likely in a toxic relationship. No one should ever feel like they can’t be themselves in a relationship.

Sign #8: Your partner is manipulative

Manipulative behavior is another hallmark of toxic relationships. If your partner constantly twists your words, plays mind games, or tries to make you feel guilty for things that aren’t your fault, this is a sign that you’re in a toxic relationship. It’s important to recognize that this behavior is not healthy and to take steps to protect yourself.

Sign #9: Your partner is isolating

Toxic partners often try to isolate you from your friends and family, hoping to control who you talk to and what you do. If you feel like you’re losing touch with the people who care about you, or like your partner is trying to come between you and your support system, this is a sign of a toxic relationship. It’s important to maintain strong connections with friends and family and to seek their support if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsupported in your relationship.

Sign #10: Your self-esteem is suffering

Finally, if you’re in a toxic relationship, you may start to notice that your self-esteem is suffering. You may feel like you’re not good enough like you don’t deserve better, or like you’re trapped in the relationship. These feelings are normal, but they’re not healthy. If you’re feeling like this, it’s important to reach out to friends and family, seek support, and remember that you’re worthy of love and happiness.

Final thoughts

Toxic relationships can be incredibly damaging, both emotionally and physically. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to take action to protect yourself and to get help. Remember that you deserve to be treated with respect and love and that you don’t have to stay in a relationship that makes you feel unhappy or unsupported. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to friends, family, or a professional for support. You don’t have to face this alone.

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Sikandar Ali Shah

Though, I cannot earn money through my writings at Medium, however I feel blessed to be among the well-educated and talented writers. Let me be part of it.