How to end a toxic relationship
Toxic relationships are so much more than just bad dates. Unhealthy relationships can be with friends, family members, and even coworkers. The problem with unhealthy relationships is that they’re hard to spot at first. It’s not always obvious when someone is abusive or manipulative—primarily if you’ve known them for years. That’s why it’s essential to know the signs of a toxic relationship before things get too serious! If you’re wondering if your relationship qualifies as “toxic,” keep reading.
Never minimize the impact of a toxic relationship.
We often minimize the impact of toxic relationships, thinking that it’s not a big deal if we have to put up with someone who makes us unhappy, but this is not true. Toxic relationships can devastate your life in many ways: physically, emotionally, mentally; financially; socially, and professionally. You may feel like you’re losing yourself or letting yourself down by compromising who you are for someone else (or, in some cases, multiple people). If you constantly compromise your values or beliefs because of someone else’s influence, it’s time to take action against them.
Learn the signs of a toxic relationship.
A toxic connection is any relationship that creates stress, suffering, and unhappiness for you. If you feel like you need to walk on eggshells around someone or constantly have to explain everything about yourself, if this person is trying to manipulate or control you and makes you feel bad about yourself—it’s time to end the relationship.
Don’t be afraid to end a toxic relationship.
You don’t owe anyone anything. You can never change another person—and you never will! The only thing you control is yourself, so don’t let anyone make you feel like your worth is dependent on them or what they think of you. If it doesn’t feel right, it isn’t. When someone is abusive or manipulative, get out as soon as possible and never look back!
Surround yourself with friends and family who support you.
The first step to getting rid of toxic people in your life is to surround yourself with people who support you. It’s important not to isolate yourself during this process—you should be able to talk about how you feel and get the help that you need without worrying about what other people will think. This is especially true if you don’t have a lot of friends or family around, as your relationships with them may be strained by their proximity or closeness. If that’s the case, consider seeking therapy—it can help both on an individual level and within the context of a larger group dynamic.
Take care of yourself.
When you’re in a toxic relationship, it can feel like the other person is constantly taking from you. It’s important to remember that this isn’t true—you are just giving them your time and attention because that’s what you want to do. However, if someone is making you feel bad about yourself or acting like a jerk, it’s essential to take care of yourself and ensure you’re not being taken advantage of.
Try to block out some time for yourself during the week so that if (when) toxic people come along and try to get involved with your life, they have less access to your time and energy. Make sure that when they try coming into your space, they aren’t taking away from things that make you happy or fulfilling parts of yourself! This can be hard, but here are some ways:
Take up new hobbies or interests.
Schedule time daily to practice gratitude and mindfulness
Treat yourself to a date.
Even when it seems impossible, ending a toxic relationship is always best in the long run.
There are many reasons why people stay in these kinds of relationships—for example; you may feel that your partner needs you or that leaving them would be selfish. But no matter how strong these feelings are, they can’t compare to the benefits of being out of a toxic relationship: physical health, mental well-being, and overall happiness.
You deserve respect and kindness. You deserve a partner who listens to you and supports your dreams. You deserve someone who lifts you rather than dragging you down. Remember that toxic relationships are not permanent, so if things aren’t working out with your current partner, there is always hope for something better!
