The Naked Truth | When to leave a toxic relationship and how to avoid dating similar people so you can find someone who recognises your true worth
- If you’re with someone who is insecure, controlling, disrespectful, dishonest or selfish and it’s causing you trauma then it could be time to get out
- Recognising that a past relationship was unhealthy and that it was not your fault can give you the power to make a change in your life
Those of us in a happy relationship may think we are immune to things turning sour, but even a happy partnership can become toxic or even abusive over time. Generally, the toxicity is caused by negative emotions that stem from a lack of empathy, respect, understanding and compassion.
When these essential building blocks that support a healthy relationship are gone, the partnership will not only cease to grow and develop, but will spiral into constant conflict and contempt and eventually come crumbling down.
No one should ever tolerate such toxicity because these kinds of relationships are harmful to all parties involved and can cause lasting damage even long after it’s over, says Dr Quratulain Zaidi, a Hong Kong-based clinical psychologist.
A toxic relationship is characterised by someone who is insecure, controlling, demanding, disrespectful, critical, dishonest, negative, narcissistic, selfish and prone to jealousy, she points out.
She adds that research has shown that people who are in negative relationships are at greater risk of developing heart problems.
