Nobody likes to feel isolated. We all want to feel love and have a sense of connection to people around us— our mental health survives on this feeling and connection.
This connection is called a relationship.
However, not all relationships are healthy and contribute to our mental health. This type of relationship is known as an unhealthy or toxic relationship.
In a toxic relationship, your partner or family member displays violent, controlling, disrespectful, and abusive behavior towards you.
A toxic relationship is like trying to charge your phone with a broken charger — no matter how long you stay plugged in, you never get the energy you need, and eventually, it just drains you even more.
It is no hidden truth that every relationship comes with its challenges, however, a toxic relationship may be, or may lead to constant verbal and domestic abuse, shattering your mental health and self-esteem.
While it is possible your relationship started out perfectly healthy, unhealthy habits may begin to surface as the relationship progresses, thus changing the dynamics of the relationship. For some couples, these signs can form over time, but for others, they — toxic habits— can present themselves in the early stages of dating or even friendship.
Yes, you can be in a toxic relationship that is totally platonic!
Don’t panic! This can happen to the best and strongest of people and getting out of such a relationship is usually daunting.
It is therefore very important to identify these toxic habits as it helps to know if your relationship has moved from loving to toxic, and it’s time to cut the cord.
News Round The Clock highlights some toxic habits. If any or all signs resonate with you, it’s definitely time to cut the cord.
Here are some signs your relationship might be toxic:
- Everything is about them
Do you ever feel like you never choose the movie to watch, food to eat, etc? Or like you’re always the backup plan?
Toxic people have a talent for making everything about them— being in control of any and every decision in the relationship, while making you feel like your opinions don’t matter.
When they make plans without considering your opinions or feelings while pretending to care about your feelings and opinions, they do not see you as a priority, but an afterthought.
No one deserves to feel like an afterthought in their own relationship.
- Constant criticism and lack of emotional support
Toxic people, out of their own insecurities, will always find fault with what you do, who you are or how you look. This constant criticism will damage your self-esteem, making you feel small and unappreciated.
Also, when your partner or friend is incapable of perceiving your emotion or empathizing with you, they are deficient in emotional intelligence.
This often results in unnecessary conflicts or forms of manipulation such as emotional abuse, excessive display of affection or attention, often with the intent of gaining control or creating dependency in the relationship.
However, not all displays of affection are toxic. But, it becomes toxic when you begin to feel uncomfortable with it and afraid to say something about it.
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- Lack of respect or trust
Trust is the crux of every healthy relationship (business, romantic, platonic, etc). Thus, it is a life-threatening situation when trust is missing or deficient in your relationship.
You are in an unhealthy relationship when you constantly prove you can be trusted by being reliable, honest and accountable, and family members, partner(s), friends, etc still distrust you.
Meanwhile, when you say ‘no’ and it starts a fight, every time, you are in a toxic relationship. Toxic persons continue to push and overstep boundaries.
This is a common trait in toxic personalities, which gives you an overwhelming sense of self-doubt and frustration, resulting in loss of mental and physical strength, values, and self-worth.
Healthy relationships require trust and respect from both parties. Without respect, the foundation of any relationship is shaky at best.
- Controlling and jealous
Do you have a partner that constantly checks your phone, gets suspicious when you’re out with other people, constantly monitors your movements, decisions, and beliefs? If yes, you’re in a toxic relationship.
This is because they don’t trust you.
Jealous or controlling behavior is more abusive than toxic.
This behavior is most times a result of their own insecurities than about you. Your partner or friend is more concerned and interested in their wants than what’s best for you.
- More downs than ups
A healthy relationship, while never perfect, should feel like a safe harbor, not a battlefield.
When conflict, sadness, or emotional exhaustion outweigh moments of connection, ease, and genuine joy, it’s worth asking if you’re clinging to something that’s hurting more than it’s helping.
Love should feel like home—not a place you tiptoe around in fear of setting off another explosion.The people we choose to keep close—whether romantic partners, friends, or family—ought to contribute to our growth, not chip away at our sense of self.
Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a series of actions rooted in support, kindness, and mutual respect. If you cponstantly feel drained, belittled, or unseen in a relationship, it’s a loud signal that the dynamic needs re-evaluating.
No one deserves to be someone else’s emotional punching bag. Pain shouldn’t be a price you pay for companionship. Even if the relationship looks perfect on the outside, if it hurts on the inside, it’s okay to walk away.
- Silence rather than communication
It’s one thing to struggle with communication; it’s another to dodge it altogether.
If your partner constantly sidesteps honest conversations—whether out of fear, pride, or discomfort—they’re not keeping the peace; they’re just postponing inevitable tension.
While vulnerability can feel risky, especially when emotions run deep, the refusal to engage in open dialogue becomes a silent wedge in the relationship.
If your partner views every disagreement as a threat instead of an opportunity to grow together, they may not be emotionally ready for a mature connection.
Remember that relationships thrive not in the absence of conflict, but in how partners show up for it.
Enmeshment
Enmeshment is a relationship dynamic where personal boundaries are blurred, emotional independence is compromised, and persons involved become overly reliant on each other—often leading to codependency, social isolation, and emotional exhaustion.
While the constant emotional giving and reliance might feel like love in its purest form—selfless and all-consuming, it gradually becomes a breeding ground for emotional and mental exhaustion especially for the more giving partner.
This pattern becomes even more damaging when codependency starts to isolate you from your wider social circles.
The clearest sign of unhealthy dependence is when your relationship starts to erode your connection with other meaningful people in your life.
While romantic relationships can be a beautiful source of comfort and support, they should never demand the sacrifice of your well-being or community.
If your partner constantly leaves you feeling anxious, stressed, or emotionally spent, it may be time to reevaluate the balance. Real love should fill you up—not drain you dry.
These psychology tests questions will give you clarity on the type of relationship you have
Staying for the sake of being in a relationship, especially if toxic, can often cause more damage. It’s time to consider your options!
However, if this is difficult to do, we hope these 7 psychology tests will give you the clarity and strength you need to realise your self-worth and value.
- How does your partner handle mistakes?
- What does your partner emphasize about you?
- How often do you use the silent treatment?
- Are you both truly dependable?
- How many little fights turn into huge blowouts?
- Can you both handle being on your own?
- How comfortable do you feel being open?
Recap
Toxic relationships don’t always start that way—they often wear the mask of love, care, and companionship until the cracks begin to show. But love should never leave you feeling depleted, unheard, or afraid.
It should nourish you, not strip you of your peace, identity, and self-worth.
If any of these signs or psychological questions resonate deeply, take it as a gentle nudge from your inner voice—urging you to protect your heart and prioritize your mental health.
You don’t have to stay in a relationship just because you’ve been in it for long.
Clarity is the first step.
Courage is the next.
And healing follows.
You are worthy of a love that uplifts, not one that slowly breaks you.
Choose you—always.
