Love is powerful. It can push us to do wild things like travelling miles just to be with our partner. But sometimes, it also blinds us to unhealthy behaviours. It’s easy to forget that not every love story is a fairy tale. And when reality hits, the fall is painful.
Myriam Bidaud, a couples therapist and founder of Atout Couple, provides insights into toxic relationship behaviours. According to her, recognizing these behaviours is crucial for your well-being. Let’s explore some common toxic relationship behaviours and how to spot them.
Physical and Mental Violence
Healthy relationships should never involve physical or verbal violence. “Violence should never enter any relationship. If violence occurs, talk about it and seek support immediately. There’s no room for growth where there’s no safety,” says Bidaud in Psychologies.
Threats and Blackmail
Does your partner threaten to take revenge or lash out if you go out without them? This is a major red flag. Threats and blackmail are toxic relationship behaviours that can erode trust. Relationships should be built on mutual respect and trust, not fear and manipulation.
Excessive Jealousy
A little jealousy is normal, but when it’s excessive, watch out. Extreme jealousy often leads to conflicts and can destroy a relationship. “It takes two to tango, but the excessively jealous partner needs to work on this issue,” Bidaud advises.
Dishonesty
Lies, betrayals, and sneaky tactics have no place in a healthy relationship. “Partners must be sincere and authentic for both the relationship and themselves to flourish,” Bidaud emphasizes. Trust is the cornerstone of any strong partnership.
The Distance Factor
Sometimes, your partner might subtly distance you from your friends and family. This toxic behaviour can be insidious and harmful. Bidaud warns, “If your partner, knowingly or unconsciously, distances you from loved ones, that’s a problem waiting to happen.”
Recognizing and addressing toxic relationship behaviours is essential for maintaining a healthy and loving relationship. Keep your eyes open and prioritize your emotional well-being. It’s better to be alone than trapped in toxicity.
This story originally appeared on GRAZIA International.