Recognising Toxic Relationships: Key Characteristics

Over the next three weeks I'm going to explore toxic relationships. For the first blog, let's cover some key characteristics.

Toxic relationships often involve harmful behaviors such as lack of support, toxic communication, jealousy, and control. These behaviors can take a significant toll on mental health, causing stress, anxiety, and isolation.

While toxic relationships are harmful, they differ from abusive ones, which cause even more severe harm. Recognising red flags such as manipulation, constant criticism, and emotional control can help identify toxicity early on.

One of the key signs of a toxic relationship is a lack of support. A controlling person may isolate their partner, limiting their social interactions and making them feel alone and unsupported. This isolation increases the risk of mental health issues like depression.

Toxic communication patterns, like criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling, are often seen in such relationships. Contempt, in particular, is especially harmful, as it puts down the partner’s character and can predict relationship failure.

Jealousy and controlling behaviors are also common in toxic relationships. Often, one partner will undermine the other’s self-esteem by accusing them of things like flirting, restricting their freedom, or questioning their decisions. This behaviour is rooted in the jealous partner's insecurities but can create a toxic dynamic that harms both individuals.

Join me next week for part two - toxic or abusive?