HOW TO RECOGNIZE A TOXIC RELATIONSHIP AT UNIVERSITY.

 What's a toxic relationship?

    Photo Credit: Okello Elvis.

In a healthy relationship, everything just works out. You might disagree from time to time but you generally make together, openly discuss any problems that arise and genuinely enjoy each other's company.

Toxic relationships are another story. In a toxic relationship, you might consistently feel drained or unhappy after spending time with your partner, which can suggest that some things need to change. 

      Photo Credit: Okello Elvis.

Maybe the relationship no longer feels at all enjoyable, though you still love your partner. For some reason, you always seem to rub each other the wrong way or can't seem to stop arguing over minor issues.

Some Hallmark Signs of Toxicity in a Relationship I've seen in Campus;

     Photo Credit: Okello Elvis.

Depending on the nature of the relationship, signs of toxicity can be subtle or highly obvious, explains Carla Marie Manly, PhD, author of Joy from Fear.

Some few common red flags popping up in a toxic relationship are as follows;

(I) Lack of Support

Healthy relationships are based on a mutual desire to see the other succeed in all areas of life. But when things turn toxic, every achievement becomes a competition.

(II) Toxic Communication

Instead of kindness and mutual respect, most of your conversations are filled with sarcasm or criticism and fueled by contempt - a predictor divorce.

(III) Envy or Jealousy

While it's perfectly fine to experience a little envy from time to time, it becomes an issue if your envy keep you from thinking positively about your partner's success. The same goes for jealousy. Yes, it's a perfectly natural human emotion. But when it leads to constant suspicion and mistrust, it can quickly begin to erode your relationship.

(IV) Controlling Behaviors

Does your partner ask where you are all the time? Maybe they become annoyed or irritated when you don't immediately answer text or text you again and again until you do. These behaviors might stem from jealousy or lack of trust, but they can also suggest a need for control.

(V) Dishonesty

You find yourself constantly making up lies about your whereabouts or who you meet up with, whether that's because you want to avoid spending time with your partner or because you worry how they'll react if you tell them the truth.

Toxic relationships can be healed with patience, understanding, love and care. You and your partner need to put time and effort into working on your relationship. It cannot happen overnight. It may take months or years to make things better.

Story By; Alves Asomah010.