Are You in a Toxic Marriage?
Many people may not know that they are involved in a toxic relationship, because love is blinding. We may accept the treatment from others because we love them. With our expert in marriage counseling, Dr. Phillips, you can learn how to treat your spouse with respect and how to earn it in return. Before you consider therapy, you first may want to recognize whether you are involved in a toxic relationship. These are some common signs that indicate your relationship might be toxic.
You Feel Constant Judgment
When you are with a partner that constantly belittles or judges you, you may be in a toxic relationship. Although many relationships involve criticism, there is a difference between constructive criticism and destructive criticism. If you spouse constantly judges you by making you feel worse about yourself, this is crossing a line. Many people may assume that this judgment is to make you better as a wife or person, but you should be with someone that treats you with value and respect.
You Are Afraid to Communicate
Every relationship goes through ups and downs, and communication ruts are not uncommon. However, when you feel like you cannot truly express your thoughts and opinions, you may be in an unfair or toxic relationship. Communication issues can stem from distance and disagreement, but they should not stem from fear. If you are afraid of how your spouse will react when you talk to them about your feelings, you may want to seek help to overcome this obstacle. This is especially true if you have been hurt because of expressing your thoughts or opinions.
You Have No Support
Your relationship with your spouse should be one of your primary support system. If you cannot rely on your significant other for support, you will start to distance yourself from them. A lack of support or genuine caring for a partner can prove as toxic for many relationships, especially when that support is actually negative. When your spouse belittles you, disregards your needs, and does not value your actions or thoughts, you may be in a toxic marriage.
You Always Have Drama
Some people fight more aggressively and frequently than others. When you and your partner are always involved in drama, it can be exhausting. Often times, a person thrives on drama because they are insecure or belligerent, and this can become a dangerous scenario for others.
You Are Afraid at Home
Has your spouse made you feel unsafe, or have they threatened you in the past? Many abusive or toxic relationships start with physical abuse because of anger, sadness, or fear. When your spouse hurts you, you will become afraid for it to happen again, which may cause you to withdraw or isolate. It may also cause you to become afraid to communicate these concerns to anyone else. If you are afraid at home, you need to safely discuss these concerns with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist.
These are a few signs that you may be in an abusive relationship. When you are in an abusive relationship, you may think that our expert in marriage counseling, Dr. Phillips, can help. If you want to work with a professional to discuss how to better your relationship, contact our professional therapists to learn more today.
