6 signs you are in a toxic relationship
The signs that you may need to escape your relationship
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.When you’re in the midst of a toxic relationship, it can often be hard to recognise the signs that something isn’t right.
Whether your partner is controlling you financially or being aggressive, it’s important to safely remove yourself from said relationship, if possible.
Users on Quora discussed some of the tell-tale signs of a toxic relationship and the warning signs that should be looked out for.
Author Randy B. Hampton wrote: “If you're afraid to tell your friends or family what's happening in your relationship, it's probably toxic,” before adding: “If your partner directs, advises, or orders you to not talk to friends and family members, it's probably toxic.”
Quora user Jaie Hart argued that invalidating comments followed by “niceties so you are instantly confused” could be a sign that something isn’t right. She also added that “overly playing the ‘poor me’ act”, could be a signal that you’re being manipulated.
A woman named Melinda Judy revealed her own experiences of being in a toxic relationship, and wrote: “The person will try to control every part of your life and often force you to exclude your friends and family members, insisting that you give all your attention and energy to him/her.”
She also described “being cross examined every time you come back from anywhere and accused of sleeping around with someone else”, as a sign of a relationship gone wrong.
Refuge, a charity who help women and children caught up in domestic abuse, also have a list of the signs that point to an abusive relationship on their website.
They include a jealous or possessive partner, one who humiliates or insults in front of others, having to change your behaviour in order not to make them angry, constant criticism and controlling of finances, what they should wear and who they should be friends with.
If feel you are in a toxic relationship and need to seek help or support, you can contact domestic abuse charity Refuge or relationship counselling group Relate for help.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments