5 Toxic Relationship Habits You Might Be Guilty Of (And How to Fix Them)
A toxic relationship is one that consistently brings you down rather than lifts you. It can be marked by patterns of manipulation, control, and emotional distress.
1. The Silent Treatment: Avoiding Conflict at All Costs
The silent treatment is a classic toxic habit where one person withdraws emotionally and refuses to communicate.
2. Keeping Score: The Tit-for-Tat Mentality
Keeping score is when you track every favor, mistake, or gesture in the relationship. For example, you might think, “I cooked dinner last night, so it’s their turn,”
3. Over-Dependence: Losing Yourself in the Relationship
Over-dependence happens when you rely too heavily on your partner for emotional support, validation, or decision-making. You might neglect your hobbies, friends, or goals to prioritize the relationship.
4. Gaslighting: Invalidating the Other Person’s Reality
Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic where one person dismisses or denies the other’s feelings, experiences, or perceptions. For example, you might say, “You’re overreacting,” or “That never happened.”
5. Jealousy and Possessiveness: Mistaking Control for Love
Jealousy and possessiveness often manifest as controlling behaviors, such as monitoring your partner’s activities, questioning their interactions with others, or demanding constant reassurance.