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**Slaythefear** · November 1, 2012, 07:27 PM

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Types of toxic relationships Part I

With few exceptions, human beings want to be emotionally and physically close to each other. Life seems better shared. And yet no area of human endeavor seems more fraught with challenges and difficulties than our relationships with others. Relationships, like most things in life worth having, require effort.

Think of it this way: Even good relationships take work. After all, our significant other, our close friends, and even our parents aren't perfect (and, oddly enough, they may not see us as perfect either.) We have to learn how to accommodate and adapt to their idiosyncrasies, their faults, their moods, etc., just as they must learn how to do the same with us. And it's worth it.

Some relationships, however, are more difficult and require proportionately more work. We are not clones but individuals, and some individuals in relationships are going to have more difficulties, more disagreements. But because we value these relationships we're willing to make the effort it takes to keep them.

And then there are toxic relationships. These relationships have mutated themselves into something that has the potential, if not corrected, to be extremely harmful to our well being. These relationships are not necessarily hopeless, but they require substantial and difficult work if they are to be changed into something healthy. The paradox is that in order to have a reasonable chance to turn a toxic relationship into a healthy relationship we have to be prepared to leave it (more about this later.)

So what exactly is a toxic relationship and how do you know if you're in one?
By definition, a toxic relationship is a relationship characterized by behaviors on the part of the toxic partner that are emotionally and, not infrequently, physically damaging to their partner. While a healthy relationship contributes to our self-esteem and emotional energy, a toxic relationship damages self-esteem and drains energy. A healthy relationship involves mutual caring, respect, and compassion, an interest in our partner's welfare and growth, an ability to share control and decision-making, in short, a shared desire for each other's happiness. A healthy relationship is a safe relationship, a relationship where we can be ourselves without fear, a place where we feel comfortable and secure. A toxic relationship, on the other hand, is not a safe place. A toxic relationship is characterized by insecurity, self-centeredness, dominance, control. We risk our very being by staying in such a relationship. To say a toxic relationship is dysfunctional is, at best, an understatement.

Keep in mind that it takes two individuals to have a toxic relationship. Initially, we'll look at the behaviors of the toxic partner, but we must look equally hard at the individual who is the recipient of the toxic behavior. And we must ask, Why? Why does an adult stay in a relationship that will almost inevitably damage him or her emotionally and/or physically? And what, if anything can we do short of leaving that might help mend such a relationship? We'll examine both these questions later. First, however, let's examine toxic behaviors and relationships in more detail.

Types of Toxic Relationships

Even a good relationship may have brief periods of behaviors we could label toxic on the part of one or both partners. Human beings, after all, are not perfect. Few of us have had any formal education in how to relate to others. We often have to learn as we go, hoping that our basic style of relating to significant others--often learned from our parents and/or friends--is at least reasonably effective.

As mentioned above, however, dysfunction is the norm in a toxic relationship. The toxic partner engages in inappropriate controlling and manipulative behaviors on pretty much a daily basis. Paradoxically, to the outside world, the toxic partner often behaves in an exemplary manner.

Note: Any relationship involving physical violence or substance abuse is by definition extremely toxic and requires immediate intervention and, with very few exceptions, separation of the two partners. While these relationships are not necessarily irreparable, I cannot emphasize too much how destructive they are. If you're in such a relationship get help now!

A toxic individual behaves the way he or she does essentially for one main reason: he or she must be in complete control and , must have all the power in his or her relationship. Power sharing does not occur in any significant way in a toxic relationship. And while power struggles are normal in any relationship, particularly in the early stages of a marriage, toxic relationships are characterized by one partner absolutely insisting on being in control. Keep in mind, the methods used by such an individual to control his or her partner in a toxic relationship may or may not be readily apparent, even to their partner.

With the above in mind, lets examine some of the more common types of dysfunctional behaviors that a toxic partner may use in a relationship with a significant other. These categories should not be seen as exclusive. Frrequently a toxic individual will use several types of controlling behaviors to achieve his or her ends. Also, while the examples below are most typically seen in marriages and/or other committed relationships, they can certainly occur in parent-child interactions or friendships.

A further note: For the sake of brevity, I'll often use the word "victim" to refer to the recipient of toxic behavior. In reality, however, this individual is not a victim, at least not in the sense that they are helpless to do anything about their relationship.

**Slaythefear** · November 1, 2012, 07:27 PM

TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS-Triggers

Toxic Relationships Part II

Deprecator-Belittler

This type of toxic individual will constantly belittle you. He or she will make fun of you, essentially implying that pretty much anything you say that expresses your ideas, beliefs, or wants is silly or stupid.A toxic partner will not hesitate to belittle you in public, in front of your friends or family. Even though you may have asked your toxic partner to stop belittling you, he or she will continue this behavior, occasionally disguising it by saying "I'm just kidding. Can't you take a joke?" The problem is they are not kidding and what they're doing is not a joke. The toxic partner wants all the decision making power. Unfortunately, if you tolerate this deprecating behavior long enough, you very well may begin to believe you can't make good decisions.

This type of toxic individual will often tell you that you're lucky to have them as a partner, that no other man or woman would really want you. His or her goal is to keep your self esteem as low as possible so that you don't challenge their absolute control of the relationship.

The "Bad Temper" Toxic Partner

Frequently I'll have a client who will tell me they've given up trying to argue or disagree with their partner because he/she gets so angry or loses his or her temper, and then often won't interact with them in any meaningful way for days. "Controlling by intimidation" is a classic behavior of a toxic partner.

Often these individuals have an unpredictable and "hair-trigger" temper. Their partners often describe themselves as "walking on egg shells" around the toxic partner, never quite knowing what will send him or her into a rage. This constant need for vigilance and inability to know what will trigger an angry outburst wears on both the "victim's" emotional and physical health.

Again, it is noteworthy that this type of emotionally abusive partner rarely shows this side of his or her self to the outside world. He or she is frequently seen as a pleasant, easy-going person who almost everyone likes.

As you would expect, if you confront a "bad temper" partner about the inappropriateness of their anger, they will almost always blame their temper outburst on you. Somehow it's your fault they yell and scream. This disowning of responsibility for their dysfunctional behavior is typical of a toxic partner.

The Guilt-Inducer

A toxic relationship can, of course, occur not only between two individuals in a committed relationship but also between friends or between parents and their adult children.Control in these relationships, as well as in committed relationship, is exercised by inducing guilt in the "victim." The guilt inducer controls by encouraging you to feel guilty any time you do something he or she doesn't like. Not infrequently they will get someone else to convey their sense of "disappointment" or "hurt" to you. For example, your father calls up to tell you how disappointed your mother was that you didn't come over for Sunday dinner.

A guilt inducer not only controls by inducing guilt but also by temporarily "removing" guilt if you end up doing what he or she wants you do. For guilt-prone individuals anything or anyone that removes guilt is very desirable and potentially almost addictive, so the guilt inducer has an extremely powerful means of control at their disposal.

Incidentally, guilt induction is the most common form of control used by a toxic parent(s) to control their adult children.

Frequently a spouse or significant other will disguise their guilt-inducing control by seemingly supporting a decision you make-i.e., going back to school--but will then induce guilt by subtle reminding you of how much the children miss you when you're gone, or how you haven't been paying much attention to him or her lately, etc. As with all toxic behaviors, guilt-inducing is designed to control your behavior so your toxic partner, parent, or friend gets what he or she wants.

The Overreactor/Deflector

If you've ever tried to tell a significant other that you're unhappy, hurt, or angry about something they did and somehow find yourself taking care of their unhappiness, hurt, or anger, you're dealing with an overreactor/deflector. You find yourself comforting them instead of getting comfort for yourself. And, even worse, you feel bad about yourself for being "so selfish" that you brought up something that "upset" your partner so much. Needless to say, your initial concern, hurt, or irritation gets lost as you remorsefully take care of your partner's feelings.

A variation on this theme is the deflector: You try and express your anger or irritation regarding some issue or event--your spouse stays out with his/her friends two hours longer than they said they would and doesn't even bother to call--and somehow your toxic partner finds a way to make this your fault!

The Over-Dependent Partner

Odd as it may seem, one method of toxic control is for your partner to be so passive that you have to make most decisions for them. These toxic controllers want you to make virtually every decision for them, from where to go to dinner to what car to buy. Remember, not deciding is a decision that has the advantage of making someone else--namely you--responsible for the outcome of that decision. And, of course, you'll know when you've made the "wrong" decision by your partner's passive aggressive behavior such as pouting or not talking to you because you chose a movie or restaurant they didn't enjoy. Or you choose to go to spend the weekend with your parents and your partner goes along but doesn't speak to anyone for two days.

Passivity can be an extremely powerful means of control. If you're involved in a relationship with a passive controller you'll likely experience constant anxiety and/or fatigue, as you worry about the effect of your decisions on your partner and are drained by having to make virtually every decision.

The "Independent" (Non-Dependable) Toxic Controller

This individual frequently disguises his or her toxic controlling behavior as simply asserting his or her "independence. "I'm not going to let anyone control me.", is their motto. This toxic individual will only rarely keep his or her commitments. Actually what these individuals are up to is controlling you by keeping you uncertain about what they're going to do. Non-dependables will say they'll call you, they'll take the kids to a movie Saturday, they'll etc. etc., but then they don't. Something always comes up. They usually have a plausible excuse, but they simply don't keep their commitments. As a result they control you by making it next to impossible for you to make commitments or plans.

What's even more distressing is that this type of toxic individual does not make you feel safe and secure in your relationship. It's not just their behavior that's unpredictable; you're never quite sure that they are really emotionally committed to you, that you and your relationship with them are a priority in their life. You'll often find yourself asking for reassurance from them, reassurance that they love you, find you attractive, are committed to the marriage, etc. Their response is often just vague enough to keep you constantly guessing, and is designed to keep you doing what they want to "earn" their commitment. The anxiety you feel in such a relationship can, and often does, eat away at your emotional and physical health.

The User

Users--especially at the beginning of a relationship-- often seem to be very nice, courteous, and pleasant individuals. And they are, as long as they're getting everything they want from you. What makes a relationship with a user toxic is its one way nature and the fact that you will end up never having done enough for them. Users are big time energy drainers who will in fact leave you if they find someone else who will do more for them.

Actually a really adept user will occasionally do some small thing for you, usually something that doesn't inconvenience or cost them too much. Be warned: They have not given you a gift, they've given you an obligation. If you ever balk at doing something for them, or doing things their way, they'll immediately hold whatever they've done over your head and work hard to induce guilt.

Staying in a relationship with a user is like paying a $1000 for a candy bar. You really aren't getting much for your investment.

The Possessive (Paranoid) Toxic Controller

This type of toxic individual is really bad news. Early in your relationship with them you may actually appreciate their "jealousy," particularly if it isn't too controlling. And most, but certainly not all, possessives will imply that once the two of you are married or in a committed relationship, they'll be just fine.

Don't believe it for a moment.

These toxic individuals will become more and more suspicious and controlling as time goes on. They'll check the odometer in your car to make sure you haven't gone somewhere you "shouldn't", they'll interrogate you if you have to stay late at work, they will, in short, make your life miserable. Over time they will work hard to eliminate any meaningful relationships you have with friends, and sometimes even with family. They do not see themselves in a relationship with you; they see themselves as possessing you.

Your efforts to reassure a toxic possessive about your fidelity and commitment to them will be in vain. If you stay in a relationship with such an individual you will cease to really have a life of your own.

Further Thoughts

Keep in mind that the toxicity of the above individuals is clearly a matter of degree. You may have experienced some, if not all, of the these behaviors--hopefully in a mild form-- occasionally in your relationships. And that's the key word: occasionally. In a toxic relationship these behaviors are the norm, not the exception. Most of us manipulate once in a while, play helpless, induce guilt, etc. We're not perfect nor are our relationships. What distinguishes a toxic relationship is both the severity of these behaviors and how frequently they occur.

So why do people behave in toxic ways and why do others put up with such behaviors? The answer is the same for both individuals: poor self-esteem rooted in underlying insecurity. Toxic individuals behave the way they do because, at some level, they don't believe they are lovable and/or that anyone would really willingly want to meet their needs. Their partners stay with toxic individuals because they too believe they are unlovable and than no one would willingly meet their needs.

But aren't controlling individuals often narcissistic, don't they simply have inflated egos, believe they're entitled to everything they want at no cost to themselves?
Occasionally, particularly in the case of the toxic user, narcissism may be part of the problem, but narcissism itself is often a reaction to underlying insecurity.

Which brings up the question, and the problem of what to do if you're in a toxic relationship. Many of my clients initially come to me with the hope that I will give them a magical tool that will "fix" their toxic partner, or, at the very least, for me to sympathize with them and agree how bad their partner is. While catharsis may give temporary relief, it isn't lasting. And while there certainly are things an individual can do to attempt to change the way a toxic partner behaves, most of my clients are often hesitant to do them, fearing their toxic partner may leave the relationship.

The paradox is this: If you want to improve your relationship with a toxic partner you have to be willing to leave that relationship if nothing changes. If you're unwilling to do so, you have very limited power available to you. Your toxic partner will know ultimately, regardless of what they do, you really won't leave.

So before you attempt to confront a toxic partner, make sure your self-esteem and self-confidence are good enough for you to know tht you will be all right if they end the relationship with you (or you end up having to end it with them). If you're not there I strongly urge you to get therapeutic help and/or to join a co-dependency group.

What to Do

The bad news is that you cannot change your partner. The good news is that you can change yourself which may lead you to behave differently with your partner, resulting in your partner deciding to change his or her behavior.

Essentially what you do is calmly but firmly confront the toxic behavior. You do this by identifying the behavior(s) to your partner, letting him or her know they are no longer acceptable, and suggesting alternative behaviors that would work better. Simple isn't it?

Actually it is. Once again, you have to believe you deserve to be treated with courtesy, compassion, and respect in a relationship or you will not continue the relationship.

When you first confront a toxic partner you can expect that he or she will actually escalate their controlling behaviors. You have to be able to handle whatever they do, you have to stay calm and firm and simply repeat your request. If your partner refuses to change consider separating from the relationship for 30 days. You should then talk with them again, repeat your requests, and let them know that you will not stay in the relationship if they continue their toxic behavior. If they once again refuse to change, you need to end the relationship. If they promise to change but relapse, repeat the cycle one more time. The bottom line: you can attempt to seriously improve a toxic relationship only if you're prepared to leave it.

A notable exception: I believe strongly in a "zero tolerance" policy for physical abuse. No matter how apologetic your partner is, if you've been physically abused you must separate from them immediately. If they then seek appropriate help and you have reasonable confidence that they will not physically abuse you again, you may consider whether or not you want to return to the relationship.

What if you have a parent(s) who behave in a toxic manner? Fortunately, as an adult child you do not live them 24/7 and you likely have the support of a significant other in dealing with them. Essentially you need to deal with a toxic parent in the same way you would deal with a toxic partner: You confront the controlling behavior, offer alternative ways the two(or three) of you could relate, and see what happens. If your parent(s) refuse to change their behavior which, as mentioned above, will usually be control by toxic guilt induction, you will need to severely limit their contact with you. Since few of us would, or should, totally abandon an elderly parent who may need our help you'll probably maintain some contact with them, but you'll need to take control of the relationship. Not an easy task but by taking control--for example by limiting phone calls, or by you choosing when you do or do not see them, etc.,-- you may be able to offer them the help they need while keeping your emotional equilibrium.

We often label those who stay in toxic relationships as "co-dependent;" they may well be. Co-dependency is, in my opinion, a result of low self-esteem that can make it very difficult to follow the plan I've suggested.

**LibraryGirl** · November 1, 2012, 09:25 PM

TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS-Triggers

This is interesting reading. Thanks!

**Next, please** · November 2, 2012, 04:20 AM

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Slay,

Some brilliant points made. While I could completely relate to you're hypersensitivity thread....I must fess up and say I can relate here as well. Where to start....low self esteem ?

What would you suggest for building blocks?

**Next, please** · November 2, 2012, 04:22 AM

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Also, Slay...
It has not gone unnoticed that you are sad .....

Big hug to you. How can I/we help?

**Slaythefear** · November 2, 2012, 10:24 AM

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Next, please;1404163 wrote: Slay,

Some brilliant points made. While I could completely relate to you're hypersensitivity thread....I must fess up and say I can relate here as well. Where to start....low self esteem ?

What would you suggest for building blocks?

Morning Next,

We'll change the next, please from another drink to the next step in moving forward. How's that?

I'd like to refer you over to the November, transformation thread as well that I just posted. I think one of my parts on this board will be posting things that try to help people work through deeper issues that lead them to drink. With that said, getting sober is the top priority as you can't think clearly or make sound judgements until you are sober and your mind begins to find clarity. This is why I believe the thirty + days is important. It really gets you to a clearer place. At thirty days, I went into depression and so do many here, so I suggest getting some additional days for even better clarity. With or without that, you begin by looking at yourself and your life. YOU are already doing that. You know more than anyone what your life has been like, what you've allowed into it, what has happened to you that may have really hurt you, your behaviors and consequences that can begin to stack up to show the issues you need to deal with.

I do believe that low self esteem is epidemic. It makes us very defensive as people as well. I, also, believe that hypersensitivity can be caused by both physical and mental factors. Alcohol can cause it, alcohol withdrawal can cause it, depression can be a factor. So if your neuro network is malfunctioning, of course the hypersensitivity will result just as aggressive nature can as well. In regards to the mental factor, I think if we are honest with ourselves, most of us will admit to one degree or another we have esteem and self confidence issues. So, yes I believe reading articles about self esteem and learning to love and care for yourself are an important first step as well. You can't take care of yourself and move toward truth until you believe in yourself and that you are worth it and just as important as others. We all have that right. Many women will allow a man to take advantage of them because they feel they are not lovable enough and will be alone if they send the man away. It may be subconscious but it's there. They become very insecure, etc. If you learn to develop yourself and like who you are, that will stop. You will know you deserve better and you won't run to a bottle to solve it.

I have noted plenty of little help me posts on this board regarding this issue and I'd like to bring it out more. Guys can have this as well. I'm not making this only a female issue, but I have noted enough women here making comments to know it needs addressing so they can stop turning to the bottle.

I will be leaving to go out of town this afternoon for a bit, so I won't be around, but when I return, I will be working on these issues and posting things that may help others.

BIG HUG! You are not alone. We can walk through these changes together.:l

Love,

Slay

**Slaythefear** · November 2, 2012, 10:31 AM

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Next, please;1404165 wrote: Also, Slay...
It has not gone unnoticed that you are sad .....

Big hug to you. How can I/we help?

What you just did helped!

Caring is what helps. When you don't feel all alone and like you are fighting the world on your own, that helps. We do have to feel some pain to grow though. The last several days were absolute HELL!!! I was on the ground and sinking into it the pain was so bad, but denying the problems were keeping me in a constant state of unhappiness trying to dodge the 'great pain' bullet. You have to walk through it to get better. It's just like you have to go through AL withdrawal to get through it. No other way.

:l

**Slaythefear** · November 2, 2012, 10:32 AM

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LibraryGirl;1404014 wrote: This is interesting reading. Thanks!

You're welcome. Stay tuned. More when I get back in town.

:l

**LibraryGirl** · November 2, 2012, 11:04 AM

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Was this written by you?

**Scots lady!** · November 2, 2012, 11:15 AM

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Wow the toxic relationship I think I'm in one! Tried to get out a couple of times defo no longer have any of my own friends hardly see my sister. He thinks they don't like him

**pixie** · November 3, 2012, 08:40 AM

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Slay, Thanks for posting all this.

Definitely lots there to think about. I need to be thinking about what is next for me, now that I'm not numbing myself. And while I don't wish for difficult times on others, it is comforting to know that you're not alone.

**Slaythefear** · November 8, 2012, 09:31 PM

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Arrived back home yesterday. I had this in my away reading file, so thought I'd add it to this thread.

It's rather long, so I'll supply the link...The Emotionally Distant Husband

The Emotionally Distant Husband | Marriage Missions International

Although this is a toxic relationship thread, I think it is well to cover the differences in the way we think as well. Yesterday, I was talking to a man who told me to go watch this video. I am currently viewing it. It's humorous, and true.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BxckAMaTDc[/video]]Mark Gungor - Men's Brain Women's Brain - YouTube

**stumpy** · November 8, 2012, 09:43 PM

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I love you Slay, keep up the good work on yourself. I'm watching from afar. Dear Girl you will beat this bastard. Stay Strong.

**Slaythefear** · November 8, 2012, 09:59 PM

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stumpy;1408139 wrote: I love you Slay, keep up the good work on yourself. I'm watching from afar. Dear Girl you will beat this bastard. Stay Strong.

Thank you, love. Bastard is right! No matter what or who as Brydie says...now hammer that into my head, and don't let me forget it. I've noted a few fallen angels tonight. Lest 'we' be too confident in our ability to control the beast...don't underestimate the ability of this nasty old enemy to rob you blind when you get overwhelmed or think you have the power. A foot in the door and it's just too easy to say, 'the hell with it'. Keep the doors locked.

Click...now stay the hell out and repeat after me,

No matter what, no matter who.
No matter what, no matter who.
No matter what, no matter who.

You're an angel, Stumps.:l

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