11 Signs You May Be in a Toxic Relationship.

You may long to be in a relationship, but not all relationships are created equal. Some relationships cause more pain than they’re worth. While being alone can be lonely, it can be preferable to being in a toxic relationship.

Ask yourself if your relationship is enhancing your life or making it more challenging? You deserve an emotionally healthy relationship.

11 signs that you may be in a toxic relationship:

1. A consistent lack of trust. It doesn’t matter whether you don’t trust the other person, or they don’t trust you. Relationships are incredibly draining when there is a pervasive lack of trust. There’s never any peace.
2. You’re forced to compromise your values on a regular basis. When you’re put in the position to live outside of the tenets you consider to be most important, your self-respect suffers. A healthy relationship doesn’t make you compromise your values.

3. Your partner isn’t supportive of your success. They say you find out who your real friends are during times of distress, but the same can be said of periods of success. It’s not uncommon for friends and family to be jealous or unsupportive when you’re doing well. Your partner should support during downturns and celebrate your victories.

4. They’re dismissive. Are either of you dismissive toward the other? Your interests and projects should be respected. This applies to your opinions and tastes as well.
5. Your partner is unreliable. If you can’t count on your partner, your life is more stressful than it needs to be, and your relationship is harming you.
6. Work is more relaxing than going home. What’s worse than spending a stressful day at work and deciding you’d rather stay at work than go home to your partner?
7. A lack of affection. There’s a lack of closeness when affection wanes. Ask yourself why you no longer want to touch each other.
8. You resist confiding in your partner. When you have something sensitive to discuss, it would be nice to be able to rely on your partner. If you find yourself hesitant to share, it could be a sign that your relationship isn’t healthy. Ideally, your partner is someone you are able to trust with your secrets.
9. The relationship is harmful to any children involved. Relationships should enhance the lives of the children. Frightened or discouraged children are a warning sign.
10. You feel unsafe with your partner. No relationship is worth risking your safety. Make your health and well-being a priority in your life. If you feel unsafe, get out.
11. You can think of other people with whom you’d rather be in a relationship. Do you find yourself wishing you could be in a relationship with a friend or coworker instead of with your current partner? Something is amiss if you’re imagining yourself with someone else.

If you believe your relationship is toxic, take the time to investigate further. Be willing to get help from a relationship professional, too. Toxic relationships aren’t worth your time or peace of mind or safety.