How many times have you heard about protecting the environment and recycling waste but there is a deeper impact that is all too often ignored? In the same way, we ignore the impact of toxic relationships on our life. Where is the respect, the accountability, the caring, and the guidance from the partner in our lives? How do you stop toxic people from damaging you or your relationships? Are you able to identify toxic people in your life? Making a change and finding the courage to break toxic ties is daunting. We carry these decisions with us for the rest of our lives. It takes courage, bravery, and strength to stand up for ourselves and remove toxic people from our lives.
While we may have friends who we consider a positive influence on our lives, it is important to note that some could be encroaching on our lives by subtly overstepping boundaries, e.g. one-sided relationships, financial & emotional blackmail. These are just some of the many ways that you could be contending with a toxic relationship that appears normal on the surface. This type of behaviour can be presented by parents, family members, and colleagues too. These individuals may also have a significant impact on your relationships and immediate family. Should any of these relationships lack respect, trust, and affection, they are a sign of being unhealthy. In most women’s lives relationships are the most important factor that determines their quality of life. Ordinarily, relationships count for overall well-being in both males and females. As described here, Intimate relationships may not be the only source of toxicity in your life, however, counts as the most significant.
Intimate relationships have a different level and form of toxicity, I have listed some of the traits, behaviours, and some guidelines on how one can respond.
Written by: Viloshni Moodley
