Avoid toxic relationships
Toxic relationships are relationships in which one or both participants are causing emotional or physical harm to the other. These relationships can be difficult to identify and even more difficult to end. It is important to recognize signs of toxicity in relationships, such as manipulation, aggression, and controlling behaviour. If you are in a toxic relationship, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and seek help. This can include reaching out to friends and family for support, learning about healthy relationships, and seeking professional help if needed.
How To Spot and Stop Narcissists
- Don’t trust their words: Narcissists are known for their grandiose claims and promises they don’t keep. They will often make promises they can’t keep or lies to get what they want.
- Set boundaries: It’s important to establish and maintain boundaries with narcissists. This means standing up for yourself when they are trying to manipulate or control you.
- Don’t let them talk you into anything: Narcissists can be very convincing when it comes to getting you to do what they want. Don’t let their words or actions sway you from making decisions that are best for you.
- Don’t engage in their drama: Narcissists thrive on drama and negative attention. Don’t let yourself get drawn into their games.
- Get professional help: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or scared, seek out professional help. A therapist can help you recognize and cope with any issues stemming from the toxic relationship.
What is emotional or physical harm in a relationship
Emotional or physical harm in a relationship is any form of abuse or neglect that causes the victim psychological, emotional, or physical pain. This can include physical violence, verbal abuse, emotional manipulation, gaslighting, and more. Emotional and physical harm in a relationship can have long-lasting and damaging effects on the victim, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. If you are in a relationship that is causing you emotional or physical harm, it is important to seek help as soon as possible.
How to avoid emotional or physical harm
- Take care of yourself: Make sure to take time for yourself to relax and unwind. This can help reduce stress and give you a much-needed break from the relationship.
- Speak up: If you feel like your partner is crossing a line, it’s important to speak up and speak out. Let them know that their words or actions are unacceptable and won’t be tolerated.
- Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries and expectations in the relationship. Let your partner know that you won’t tolerate emotional or physical abuse and what the consequences will be if they cross the line.
- Get help: If you feel like the relationship is becoming too toxic, seek help from a trusted friend or family member. You can also contact a professional counsellor or therapist for more personalized help.
- Leave the relationship: If all else fails, it may be necessary to leave the relationship. This can be a difficult decision, but it may be the best way to protect yourself from further harm.
How to recognize signs of toxicity in relationships
- Frequent arguments and conflicts: If you and your partner are constantly arguing, it can be a sign that the relationship is becoming too toxic.
- Controlling behaviour: If one partner is trying to control or manipulate the other, this is a sign of a toxic relationship.
- Lack of trust: If you or your partner can’t trust each other, it can create an environment of suspicion and insecurity.
- Emotional abuse: This can include criticism, name-calling, belittling, and other forms of verbal abuse.
- Physical abuse: This can be anything from slapping, hitting, or any other form of physical violence.
How to avoid manipulation, aggression, and controlling behaviour
- Set boundaries: It’s important to establish clear boundaries and expectations in any relationship. Let your partner know what behaviours are acceptable and what behaviours you won’t tolerate.
- Communicate effectively: Make sure to communicate your needs and feelings in a respectful way. This will help ensure that your partner understands where you’re coming from and respects your wishes.
- Don’t engage in arguments: If your partner is trying to manipulate or control you, don’t engage in the argument. Instead, try to stay calm and use positive communication to get your point across.
Staying away from negative people:
- Avoid negative people: Pay attention to the people you’re spending time with. If you notice that they’re constantly negative and bring you down, it may be time to cut them out of your life.
- Surround yourself with positive people: If you want to stay away from negative people, make an effort to surround yourself with positive people who bring out the best in you.
- Be aware of your thoughts: It’s important to be mindful of your thoughts and recognize when you’re starting to become too negative.
- Take care of yourself: Make sure to take time for yourself to relax and recharge. This will help you stay in a positive mindset and away from negative people.
- Get help: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope with negative people, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counsellor.
Avoid most of the above and start looking for the below
How to know you’re in the right relationship.
- You Feel Secure and Supported: You should feel secure in your relationship and know that your partner supports you. This could include things like your partner being there for you during difficult times, respecting your decisions, and being honest with you.
- You Enjoy Spending Time Together: Spending time together should be enjoyable and fun. If you look forward to spending time together and feel energized after being with your partner, that’s a good sign.
- You Respect Each Other: Mutual respect is essential for a healthy relationship. You should feel that your partner respects your thoughts and feelings, and you should do the same for them.
- You Feel Free to Be Yourself: You should feel free to be yourself around your partner and not feel like you have to pretend to be someone else. Your partner should accept you for who you are and not try to change you.
- You Communicate Openly: Communication is key in any relationship. You should feel comfortable talking to your partner about anything and be able to express your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.
Why positive people are so good for you
Positive people are incredibly beneficial to have in your life as they provide a level of support and encouragement that is difficult to find elsewhere. They can help you stay motivated and focused on the task at hand, while also helping you to stay positive and upbeat. They can help you to find solutions to problems and can often provide valuable insight into situations. They can help you to stay on track with your goals and help you to focus on the positives. They can also help to boost your self-confidence and make you feel better about yourself. Furthermore, their upbeat attitude can be a great influence on those around them, making any social situation more enjoyable.