by Charles Ray

Created on: January 06, 2013   Last Updated: January 07, 2013

Are you feeling bad about yourself?  Does that feeling come on just after another argument with your significant other?  Chances are this is one of the signs that you’re caught in a relationship that, for want of a better word, could be described as toxic.

Most relationships that aren’t meant to be peter out and end without much fuss.  But, toxic relationships seem as if they’ll never end, and bring nothing but misery to everyone involved.

Signs that You’re in a Toxic Relationship

One of the first signs of a bad relationship is a feeling of confusion about the relationship.  If you find yourself feeling lost or sad about your relationship, or are given to bouts of crying, there’s something wrong.

Your significant other has faults that cause you to want to break off the relationship.  He or she (most often he) promises to change if you stay, but repeatedly breaks that promise.  If this has happened more than once, your relationship is in trouble.

Your significant other is intensely jealous; wanting to know who you talk to on the phone, who you speak to, or get email from.  He or she shows up without announcement when you’re busy, especially when you’re with someone else, and constantly questions you about your whereabouts.  People exhibiting this kind of behavior try to convince their partner it’s because they love the other one so much, but this is a sign of extreme insecurity and mistrust and is not good for any relationship.

He or she doesn’t want to be away from you.  This can be flattering early on, but feels clinging and even threatening when it goes on too long.

Your partner is very controlling, wanting to have a say, if not THE say, in everything you do.  This can range from who you know, to where you go, or even how you spend your money.  Relationships like this can quickly become abusive, or even deadly if the one being controlled resists the efforts.

Name calling and verbal abuse figures into many toxic relationships.  This can happen when you and your partner are alone, or in front of others, and can range from condescending to outright humiliating behavior or treatment. When confronted, the offender will often apologize profusely and seem contrite, but then repeats the behavior.  When coupled with a short fuse temper, this can quickly escalate to physical abuse.

What to Do About it

If you find yourself in a relationship characterized

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