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CONVERGE
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF A
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toxic
What is a toxic relationship?
A toxic relationship (friendship, family or romantic relationship) can contaminate
your self-esteem, your sense of happiness and the way you see yourself and the
world. It is mentally, emotionally or spiritually damaging and can have long lasting
effects on your body and mind if not identified and if action is not taken swiftly.
Toxic relationships aren’t necessarily the territory of the weak or insecure either.
Strong, healthy, independent people can also find themselves in such situations.
Similarly, relationships that seem strong to begin with, can leave a trail of damage
on one or both parties if it becomes toxic.
Signs you are in a toxic relationship
There are a multitude of toxic relationship symptoms, but those below are ones
that I have chosen based on my work with individuals in unhealthy or toxic
relationships:
You walk on egg shells
Do you find yourself anxious, nervous or worried to share your opinions because
you’re nervous and afraid of the other's emotional reactions? Do you find yourself
editing your thoughts or actions before doing something to avoid upsetting them?
Extended periods of time walking on eggshells may cause you to lose your
authenticity and sense of self and lead to an internalising of the other person's
blame, criticism and anger.
RAJNA BOGDANOVIC
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST