Signs Your Relationships Are Toxic And How To Let Go To Protect Your Peace
Navigating the highs and lows of relationships in your life can be one of the most challenging aspects of life, especially when those relationships turn toxic. Toxic friendships and relationships can drain your energy, mess with your mental health, and sometimes make you feel trapped.
It’s soooo important to identify when a relationship or friendship has gone toxic early on and understand that it’s okay to let go for the sake of your well-being. Sometimes, the healthiest thing you can do is to set your boundaries and allow yourself to walk away.
Recognizing toxic relationships and friendships is the first step towards reclaiming your mental and emotional wellbeing. These are some signs of a toxic relationship:
Consistent Negative Energy
Toxic relationships usually bring consistent negativity into your life. As empaths and HSPs, we feel that energy EXTRA hard. But, even if you’re not necessarily one of those, you can still feel the vibes. Pay attention to if you find yourself feeling drained, anxious, or unhappy before, during, or after interacting with someone
Lack of Support
Healthy relationships are built on mutual support and respect. If someone’s always dismissing your feelings, belittling you, or fails to be there for you when you need it, it’s a HUGE red flag. You deserve friends and partners who uplift you and celebrate you and your successes.
Manipulation and Control
Toxic people will often try to manipulate or control you. This can manifest as guilt-tripping, gaslighting, or making you feel responsible for their happiness. Healthy relationships are based on equality and mutual respect, not control and manipulation. Watch out for that.
One-Sided Effort
In a healthy and balanced relationship, effort should come from both sides. If you’re constantly the one reaching out, making plans, or trying to resolve conflicts, it might be the time to really think about this relationship. There should be reciprocal effort and care when it comes to healthy relationships and friendships.
If you’ve identified a toxic relationship or friendship in your life, it’s time to cut ties. I know that’s hard and honestly a little heartbreaking to do, but you have to do it for yourself and your own mental health. Here are some tips for letting go and setting boundaries:
Remember Your Worth:
Remember that you deserve to be in relationships that support you and fill your cup. Loving yourself means recognizing your value and refusing to settle for anything less than respect and care. You, your mental health, and your emotional wealth are worth a heck of a lot!
Communicate Clearly
When setting boundaries, it’s important to communicate your needs clearly and assertively. Let the other person know what behaviors you find unacceptable and what you need to feel respected and valued. Be firm but kind in your communication. People that are worth it will work to do better. And those that don’t, you need to say goodbye to.
Limit Contact
If someone continually disrespects your boundaries, it’s okay to limit or cut off contact. Protecting your peace sometimes means distancing yourself from those who disrupt it. And you don’t have to explain yourself or feel guilty. Prioritize yourself and relationships that bring positivity and support into your life.
Seek Support
Letting go of toxic relationships can be freaking hard, so don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or a professional. Talking to someone you trust can provide you with the encouragement and the perspective you need to move forward. You don’t (and shouldn’t) have to go through it alone.
Practice Self-Care
Prioritize self-care to heal and rebuild your confidence. Do things that make you feel good, whether it’s exercising, getting a mani-pedi, spending time on your hobbies and passions, or spending time with loved ones who uplift you. You need to take care of yourself in ALL forms because you deserve that!
Be Patient with Yourself
Letting go of toxic relationships is a process that takes time and courage. Be patient with yourself and recognize the progress you’re making. It’s okay if it takes a long time - your feelings are valid.
By identifying toxic relationships and taking steps to protect your mental and emotional health, you can create a more positive and fulfilling life with only people that support you around you. Remember, it’s okay to let go and prioritize your peace. Letting go is a toughy, but it’s necessary to make room for healthier, more supportive connections in your life. You deserve relationships that support your journey towards self-love and wellbeing.
