Toxic Relationships

Many of the clients who I have seen are in a relationship that is full of arguing, drama, and constant stress. All relationships have their struggles, and all long-term relationships are hard work. However there is a certain group of relationships that carries on with this level of stress without end. Oddly, many of the people in these relationships insist on continuing on this way. I think this is largely in part to that fact that they do not realize that they are in this type of relationship, and that there is another way of living. I am writing this to help people better identify if they are in a toxic relationship along with some quick tips to overcome this lifestyle.

Toxic relationships include:

•   Poor Communication
•   Mind-Reading
•   Using Sex as Manipulation
•   Repeated Snide and Sarcastic Remarks
•   Nagging
•   Passive-Aggressiveness
•   Lack of Trust
•   Intimidation
•   Using Money as Power

If you experience these on a daily basis, you are likely in a relationship that would be considered to be toxic. Detoxifying your relationship needs to consist of the following:

•    Opening up Communication
•    Setting Clear Expectations
•    Becoming Close Friends
•    Being Assertive vs. Aggressive, Passive, or Passive Aggressive
•    Accepting Differences
•    Sexual Relation Built on Respect
•    Stop Assuming

Because of the difficulties people have with identifying that they are in a toxic relationship and the complexity of many of the issues associated with these problems, I highly recommend you seek out a counselor or therapist to help you and your partner improve on these skills.