How to Identify Toxic Relationships

People can often notice red flags in their friends’ significant others. Unfortunately, it's sometimes difficult to identify toxic relationships when you’re part of one. Young individuals frequently think that an absence of physical abuse means an absence of toxicity. This simply isn’t the case. Seek help if you notice any of the following warning signs.

Red Flags to Identify Toxic Relationships

There are many red flags that may indicate you’re in a toxic relationship. About half of college students–both male and female–report some abusive behaviors involving their partners. It’s easy to minimize these warning signs when you see them, but doing so can prove dangerous.

Controlling Behaviors

One of the most common ways to identify toxic relationships is to look for controlling behavior. Does your partner tell you where you can go, what you should wear, who you can talk to, and make other decisions for you?

Lack of Trust

About 10 percent of individuals in marriages lack trust in their significant other, but this doesn’t make the behavior normal or acceptable. Relationships should always have trust, and a lack of it can lead to jealousy and toxic behavior.

Concerns of Friends and Family

Since red flags of toxic relationships are easier to notice from the outside, the opinions of your family and friends should carry significant weight. If your loved ones have an issue with your partner, take a moment to really listen to them. They may open your eyes to something you didn’t want to see.

Lack of Boundaries

It’s okay to want to help the person you love. If your partner displays a lack of boundaries, however, they may be taking advantage of you. Do they constantly contact you for favors? Are they inappropriate in public? Do they not consider your feelings around their friends?

How to Handle Toxic Relationships

If you notice any of these red flags of toxic relationships, it’s important that you don’t wait to seek help. Abusive partners often make promises that things will get better, but even if they’re truthful with these intentions, these aren’t behaviors that just disappear on their own.

Seeking professional help is the right step in these situations. Therapy may help you and your partner end the toxicity of a relationship. The most important consideration in these instances, though, is your safety and mental well-being. Without treatment, intimate partner abuse typically escalates in both severity and frequency.

Don’t Ignore Red Flags of Toxic Relationships

If controlling actions, sneaky behavior, or other red flags develop in your relationship, don’t just assume that things will get better. No matter the excuse, the fact is that improvement doesn’t occur without therapy. If you’re ready to regain control of your life, reach out to Strong Therapy and Community Support today.