It's normal for relationships to be complicated. However, when the stress surpasses a certain level, it adversely affects every aspect of your life, including your career, friendships, health, and mental health.
A study suggests that being in a toxic marriage could increase stress levels until you're likely to develop heart disease (the leading cause of death for both women and men within the US). Therapists believe that if you're in a marriage that's not ideal, do not underestimate the burden you're dealing with.
If you're experiencing the following indications of a toxic relationship, it's probably the right time to seek out help:
Passive-aggressive behaviour
If you sense something is not right, but when you ask, "What's happening?" the other person replies, "Nothing", it's passive aggression. The issue with this approach is it does not allow enough room for resolving the disagreement. If you don't know the cause, you won't be able to repair it.
Volatility
A relationship characterized by very high highs and low lows is more likely to become unhealthy. This is particularly relevant if you find it difficult to anticipate the moment when your partner is likely to get angry.
Uncertainty has been proven repeatedly to be highly damaging to not just humans, but all animals. Uncertainty about what's going to happen increases glucocorticoids (stress hormones).
A healthy relationship can be characterized by conflict, but it is not constant and not at a high level.
"Jokes" that aren't jokes
If your partner makes snide remarks about you, but they say they were "just joking, darling," there's a problem. Bullies do not just drop subtle insults; they will often attempt in a way to cause their victim to appear foolish or appear to be reacting too much.
A bad joke will make you feel low, angry, powerless, and apathetic.
Walking on eggshells
Have you ever put your phone away because you're worried about what your spouse will make of a message they received from another person? Are you scared to go out with friends after work for fear that your partner will become jealous?
The foundation of healthy relationships is built by trust and open communication. If you find yourself constantly trying to predict what's going to upset your partner and avoid the issue (even if it doesn't always work), it could be a negative situation. You wouldn't do this type of thing with family; how is it OK with your partner?
You think you need to seek permission
The mature relationship is made up of two adults. Adults don't have to seek each other's permission. Relationships indeed require compromise, and you must think about your partner before making life-changing decisions, such as moving to another country or switching jobs. If you feel you require permission to discuss plans with your partner, there's something amiss.
Constant exhaustion
The task of predicting someone else's behaviour (or mood swings) is exhausting. Repeat it for months or even years and you'll be exhausted. If a couple is in a healthy relationship, both parties will be relaxed throughout the day.
