Relationships are the biggest source of growth for anyone. Whether that relationship is a positive one or a negative one, there are plenty of learning experiences that are sure to commence. (Hopefully, they are more positive than negative, but you never can really be sure what will happen.) No matter how long you have known a person, or think that you have known a person, you can either be pleasantly surprised or highly disappointed when their behavior takes a certain route.
While I never wish a negative relationship experience on anyone, I do hope that if you are ever in a situation where you are being treated inappropriately, that you have the courage to remove yourself from that situation.
I understand that this is not always the easiest thing to do, but in the long-run, it is completely necessary as it will be the best thing for you to do. Fortunately, for me, I am grateful to have had the love and support of true family and friends to help me remove myself from negative environments.
Here are 17 warning signs that you are in a toxic relationship and/or environment, thus requiring your immediate removal from said relationship and/or environment for the sake of your mental health.
1. There's constant screaming.
Even worse when you keep a calm, even tone throughout the entire duration of an outburst.
2. People are slamming doors.
Every. Single. Door. They. Can. Get. Their. Hands. On.
3. Things are being thrown at you.
Even worse if the object is a gift that you bought for them or has personal value to you.
4. Arguments about everything and anything
No matter how superficial
5. Objects you threw away are removed from the trash and placed elsewhere
Is it weird that people are digging through your trash can, yet they couldn't even take it out?
6. Objects you paid for are hidden from you.
I'll just have to write those things off...
7. You are told how you feel or how you should feel or think...
One should never use "you" statements, especially if the person didn't come to them asking to be described.
8. ... but you are also accused of being overly controlling.
Even when you say something like, "calm down and take a deep breath."
9. You are also told that you are not "normal."
But what even is "normal" supposed to be?
10. You never receive any apologies.
This is a huge sign of immaturity if, after an emotional outburst, a toxic person is unable to apologize and recognize that their actions were inappropriate.
11. People begin involving themselves into other aspects of your life.
Toxic people will try to spread their influence and involving other people in your life is one way to do that.
12. The person tells you they wish they kept a log of all the time they spent talking to you.
If anyone ever tells you that they wish they kept a log of all the time they have spent talking to you, they are obviously not healthy to spend any more time with. Using everyday conversations about school and life against another person is a clear sign of a toxic relationship.
13. Your personal space is not respected.
This one is very inconsiderate.
14. Things that you gave as gifts are thrown away in a blatant manner.
I left it there because, unlike toxic people, I do not dig through the trash.
15. Your family is contacted by their family.
Again, see item 11.
16. You are asked for a reason why you removed yourself from the toxicity.
Pretty self-explanatory after reading the above 15 list items...
17. The toxic person or people say that they are "praying for you."
I have a feeling this a being used in a derogatory way rather than in a kind and meaningful manner.
