We sometimes talk about, or hear people talking about, toxic relationships. In short, toxicity is short-hand for behaviours and values that we experience as consistently diminishing the joy in that relationship and eroding our sense of connection, also probably (to one extent or another) our sense of self. Toxic relationships *hurt*, but we often feel like we can’t leave them, either because we’re trying to fix something or because we feel trapped and unable to leave.
In no particular order, these are some useful links I’ve been collecting both on how to identify toxic relationships, how to call out that toxicity and but some language to the experience, and (if necessary) how to extricate yourself from some of those situations.
How Successful People Handle Toxic Ones
Recognizing Toxic Behaviours in Ourselves
Two from one of my favourite relationship bloggers, Mark Manson:
6 Healthy Relationship Habits People Think are Toxic
and the counterpart:
6 Toxic Relationship Habits Most People Think Are Normal