We’ve all experienced less-than-stellar behavior from others at some point.
I know I was receiving and giving unacceptable behavior. This is normal. We all have bad days, and while we know we shouldn’t let that happen, feelings will inevitably run rampant. We are only human.
But a consistently toxic relationship: that’s different. This can slowly chip away at our self-worth, mental health, and overall well-being.
The problem is, more often than most of us would like to admit, romantic relationships can blind us to the glaring signs. So, how do you know if that special person in your life is truly toxic?
Today, we’ll dive into ten red flags.
Let’s get into it.
1) They interrupt and talk to you frequently
Do you feel like you’re struggling to get the word out around them? Do they suddenly cut you off mid-sentence or fail to wait for your response altogether?
Interrupting others is rude and thoughtless, but let’s be honest, it happens sometimes. We all have bad days here and there; Sometimes, our partner bears the brunt of it. You did it, I did it, and your partner will too.
But it doesn’t have to happen all the time.
While it is important and healthy to understand your partner’s behavior, there comes a point where we must draw the line.
If your partner’s disruptive behavior is consistent, this is a clear sign that he or she does not respect you. This is even more true if they do it in the company of friends or family.
If so, it’s probably time to address the problem because it is a problem.
As Very Well Mind points out, there are a number of reasons why people get into the habit of talking to others. It can be something positive like excitement, something ingrained like cultural differences, or something more sinister like the need for control.
They may not even know they’re doing it.
But whatever the reason, we all deserve to feel heard in our relationships.
2) They fail to apologize sincerely – or at all – when they make a mistake
We’re all messy sometimes. But toxic individuals refuse to acknowledge and make amends for insensitive words or actions that hurt you.
Even when you call them out directly, they get defensive and blame others instead of hearing you. They may even try to justify their behavior by mentioning your flaws from the distant past.
Spoiler alert: None of this is an apology.
If this sounds like your partner, it might be time to talk about it.
A meaningful apology requires empathy, vulnerability, and behavior change to move forward — if you can’t get an apology done when it’s clearly warranted, it speaks volumes.
This next one is probably the most toxic. If left unchecked, it can really hurt you.
3) They regularly make you doubt yourself and your perceptions
Have you ever walked away from your interactions with your partner, wondering what you’ve actually been through?
Has this happened so often that you finally muster up the courage to confront them about saying something hurtful?
But instead of addressing the issue, they may vehemently insist that “that never happened” or “that is not what I said at all.”
Oh.
Toxic people often constantly argue about how events turned out with explanations such as “I remembered it wrong.” It’s basically gaslighting, which is extremely dangerous if we allow it to happen because, as Psychology Today reported:
“The manipulations used by the gaslighter can become more complex and effective, making it increasingly difficult for the victim to see the truth.”
This subtle manipulation is intended to make you distrust your own judgement, all while making you feel crazy in the process.
If someone is regularly challenging your memories like this, that’s bordering on manipulation, not just toxicity – and should I say that?
Now is the time to address it.
4) They back out of plans or commitments at the last minute
We understand that life happens. Emergencies arise, or situations beyond our control sometimes impede follow-up.
But toxic partners are those who chronically cancel on your relationships when you walk out the door. Worse still, it is rarely for any urgent reason that truly warrants short notice.
Related : 7 signs you’re dealing with a toxic person, according to psychology
Let’s be real: If their excuses don’t make sense, they probably don’t respect your time.
And when it comes down to it, time is really all we have. Your partner should respect your partner. a period.
5) They demand inappropriate access to your devices, accounts, or personal space
We all need moments of privacy, even in our closest relationships. Controlling or jealous behaviors that invade your personal boundaries are simply unacceptable.
Whether they insist on knowing your email password, snooping through your text messages when you leave the room, or constantly asking you who you’re talking to, these are giant red flags you shouldn’t ignore.
Giving others the constant benefit of the doubt can lead to toxic patterns emerging.
You may have nothing to hide. I hope this is the case. But deep down, you know that your partner who is always following you is feeling frustrated.
Don’t doubt yourself because you’re finally stepping back, you deserve independence.
6) When you share good personal news, they react poorly or try to one-up you
Picture this: You’ve just received a big promotion at work and want to share the news with your partner.
Naturally, you expect excitement and congratulations, but instead, they dismissively respond, “Oh, that’s nice.” But guess what happened to me today?
Sharing our triumphs and milestones with the people we care about feeds our souls. Or at least it should. However, toxic people always seem to ruin the moment.
Instead of celebrating your promotion, they somehow steer the conversation toward themselves. They may even make snide remarks like “it must be nice” to cast doubt on your success.
Sure, you can chalk it up to them being insecure, but regardless of their insecurity, you deserve better support than that.
7) They expect big gestures from you but make little effort
We all know that relationships involve reciprocity, compromise and balance.
It seems that many toxic individuals do not adhere to this. They have high standards for how others should treat them without applying the same principles to their own behavior.
They insist on expensive gifts on their birthday; They want you to drop everything when they need support or public displays of praise for them on social media.
But when the roles are reversed, they become amnesiac about your special occasions or rarely go out of their way to make you feel as appreciated.
You may not think much about it now, but unequal expectations eventually breed resentment. No one deserves to constantly feel unappreciated.
It’s something you might want to talk about. They probably didn’t realize they were doing it and would make an effort to change. great.
However, if gently pointing out hypocrisy is ignored, it indicates deeper issues with narcissism and self-absorption, and it may be time for you to consider whether this is a relationship you really want to be in.
8) They often make insensitive or rude remarks but excuse them as “just kidding.”
Playful banter between partners can enhance bonding. But constantly making embarrassing, offensive or insulting comments at someone’s expense is no joke at all.
Toxic individuals mask their bullying behavior as “sarcastic humor,” so they don’t take responsibility for intentionally hurting you. Then, if you mention it, they say, “I was just kidding,” or, “Calm down. It was just a joke.”
Pay special attention if the sarcastic statements always tend to be about your deepest insecurities. You should never feel ashamed of who you are, especially from those who claim to care about you.
9) They don’t encourage you to spend time with other friends or family members
Dominant or jealous personalities often try to isolate their partners.
They may make indirect digs like “You don’t need to check in with your mom about everything.” Or they may completely prevent encounters with certain people for trivial reasons.
Look, your partner is important. But they are not the only important person in your life.
You have friends and family. You should never be pressured to avoid them.
Related : 10 signs your partner is playing mind games, according to psychology
If someone truly cares, they would celebrate what other good people add to your life, not tear it down.
10) You often feel stressed, anxious, or bad about yourself in their presence
At the end of the day, listening to your gut is crucial.
Think about how spending time with your partner makes you feel. If you constantly feel anxious, anxious, insecure, drained, or “less than” after your interactions, it’s helpful to evaluate why.
You deserve to have people in your life who make you feel cared for, energized, and appreciated, not defeated.
bottom line
Prioritizing emotional health means removing habitual sources of negativity when possible.
Red flags exist for good reason, learning the difference between a bad day and bad patterns can change everything.
If unhealthy behaviors persist despite your communication efforts, you may have to face difficult truths. Walking away from toxic relationships takes courage, but choosing peace of mind over toxicity is never a weak act.
