- By Bornika Das
- Fri, 11 Apr 2025 04:24 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Toxic Relationship Signs: In a romantic relationship, partners should feel safe with each other. Finding love in a person and committing to be in a relationship is a beautiful journey in life. Even though everything feels nice when in love, it is important to recognise the signs that showcase toxic behaviours, which can turn a healthy relationship into an unbearable one. While every couple in a romantic relationship faces challenges, some behaviours should never be tolerated, excused, or endured. Identifying toxic signs like love bombing, gaslighting and others can help couples to prevent emotional harm and help maintain a healthy, respectful relationship.
If the partner is genuinely loving, no matter what happens, they will never practice these toxic behaviours. These red flags reflect that the partner does not love you but is trying to control you and play with your emotions. Forgiving your partner after a sweet apology can never change their toxic relationship traits. Thus, before it's too late, identify these six toxic signs in your partner that you should never tolerate in your relationship.
Relationship Red Flags That You Should Never Ignore
Love Bombing
This is a toxic trait which involves one partner overwhelming the other with excessive attention, flattery and affection early in the relationship. The intense display of love can be exciting at first but often tends to hide deeper issues. The love bomber aims to quickly gain control and create a sense of dependency. Once the control is established, the excessive affection that was prevalent in the first stage of the relationship diminishes, leaving the other partner feeling confused and insecure.
Gaslighting
This is a form of psychological manipulation that makes one partner doubt the other’s reality, memory or perceptions. Common gaslighting phrases include, “You’re being too sensitive” or “That never happened.” This behaviour can destroy self-esteem and make the victim reliant on the abuser for a sense of reality. With time, the gaslighted individual may start to question their sanity, leading to significant emotional distress.
Isolation
This occurs when one partner attempts to cut off the other from their friends, family and other networks and connections. This can be done subtly by discouraging social interactions or overtly by restricting contact with loved ones. Isolation increases dependency on the abuser and makes it more difficult for the victim to seek help or recognise the abuse.
Red Flags In Relationship You Should Never Ignore (Image Credits: Canva)
Controlling Behaviour
This is a toxic sign that has various ways, such as dictating what one partner should wear, who they should talk to, or even how they should spend their time. Over time, the control can also extend to finances, where one partner restricts the other’s access to money or financial information. Such behaviour undermines autonomy and leads to feelings of helplessness and entrapment.
Disrespect And Dismissiveness
Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect, but if one partner constantly disrespects, belittles or dismisses the other’s feelings, opinions, or achievements, it should be immediately recognised as a toxic sign. This can often take the form of verbal abuse, such as name-calling or making hurtful jokes towards the other partner. Such behaviours can damage the self-esteem, and the victim should immediately come out of the relationship.
Excessive Jealousy And Possessiveness
Some jealousy and possessiveness are normal in relationships, but when they become excessive, it shows signs of toxicity. This can include constantly checking on the partner, making unfounded accusations of infidelity, and needing to know every detail of the partner's activities. This behaviour is rooted in insecurity and can often lead to controlling and abusive actions.
