We’re talking about toxic relationships and how they affect our lives.
By the end of the first of this two part series:
- You’ll learn 8 ways to identify a toxic relationship
Describe the problem
…Toxic relationships can be everywhere: our friendships, our workplace, our family or partners. Science has shown that these relationships not only affect us emotionally, but also physically, and can even alter our entire quality of life. But how do we know we’re in a toxic relationship in the first place? Find out in episode 116: Toxic Relationships, Part One.
Segment #1
How to know you’re in a toxic relationship, from Psychology Today:
- When you’re with [the person], do you usually feel content, even energized? Or do you often feel unfulfilled and drained?
- Is there a lot of negative energy, plans without follow-through, or little substance in the relationship (besides “history”?)
- Do you feel physically and/or emotionally safe with this person, or do you feel threatened or in danger?
- Is there a fairly equal “give and take” in the relationship? Or do you feel like you’re always giving and he/she is always taking?
Segment #2
Other toxic relationship signs:
- Is the relationship characterized by feelings of security and contentment, or drama and angst?
- Do you feel like he/she is happy with who you are? Or do you feel like you have to change to make him/her happy?
- Does the person rarely apologizes or take responsibility for their own mistakes?
Final Thoughts:
#1 Tip to know you’re in a toxic relationship: After you spend time with him/her, do you usually feel better or worse about yourself? “People are there to enrich our lives, not make them uncomfortable or sad or empty. We want to be there for our friends/lovers/family, but make sure they would be there for us too.”
- Elijah’s Thoughts
- Sarah’s Thoughts
In Closing
If you have a question, comment, or funny story about [INSERT SHOW TOPIC] we have a private SafeSpace on facebook where we talk about all sorts of social, professional, and romantic relationship topics, and after every show you can go there and share you story, get some advice from great people or just hang out. Both Sarah and I are there every day and you can be there too, just go to www.relationspodcast.com/join and click the “Join Now’ button.
Until we meet again, keep striving to make every relationship you have the best it can possibly be, including (and especially) the one with yourself. We’ll talk soon.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS