5 reasons why people stay in toxic relationships

According to psychotherapist Ginnie Love Thompson, every relationship has a level of toxicity. Although it’s normal for life together to go through ups and downs, it’s very important to recognize what our limit is and know when to stop. Of course, it’s not always easy, which is why many couples say they’re going to break up, but never decide to take that step.

With that in mind, the awesome.club decided to turn to psychology to try to understand why people stay in toxic and harmful relationships that should have ended by now. Check details in today’s article and be sure to check out the bonus in the end, with personal stories of some users who lived this situation in their own skin.

According to a recent study, fear of loneliness can lead a person to stay in a destructive relationship for a long time. This is for the simple fact that people prefer an imperfect partner to singleness; that is, a large part of society makes people think that being single or “alone” is something negative, what a big mistake.

Other studies suggest that people with low self-esteem tend to stay in toxic relationships. When someone spends a lot of time living with abusive behavior, it’s not uncommon to fall into the trap of blaming yourself for the other’s toxic attitudes. In addition, low self-esteem can also make people question their importance and contribution to the relationship.

After a fight or serious disagreement, the abuser often turns things around and makes the other person feel guilty, although, in fact, it is not🇧🇷 This situation is known as psychological violence (the term in English is called gaslighting).

This type of behavior usually develops gradually; that is why it is so difficult for the “victim” to realize what is happening. Feeling anxiety and a lack of self-confidence in one’s actions are signs of psychological violence.

Many people in toxic relationships insist on the relationship because they love their partner and believe that things will get better someday. What also happens is that the person believes that the toxic behavior is just a result of difficult circumstances the couple is going through. That is, she believes she can save the relationship. Of course, this is possible, and we’re not saying that relationships can’t be saved after a moment of crisis, but typically toxic behaviors get worse as time goes on and harm more and more the people involved.

Another reason someone can stay in a toxic relationship is because fear of rejection🇧🇷 The person decides to put up with the situation for fear of being rejected in the future. People who are afraid of rejection may have difficulty expressing themselves and even defending themselves.

“I was in a toxic relationship for a long time. When I reached my limit, I realized that if I didn’t get away from that situation as much as possible, I would end up coming back. It was then that I decided to move far away. Whenever I felt bad, I thought, ‘Yes, I’m unhappy, but at least I’m not being treated like dirt by someone who claims to love me.’ That was a few years ago, and I’ve been doing a lot better since then. I went to therapy, I dealt with my feelings and today I am very happy. happy to be gone🇧🇷 rainbowdeathcake / Reddit

“It’s not worth staying in a toxic relationship. Looking back, I realize I should have ended it many years earlier. The breakup was terrible and it hurt me for a long time, but today my life is much happier🇧🇷 LassLeader / Reddit

“I was in a three-year relationship with a person who did basically all of these things. Remembering all this makes me feel really crazy. It’s a horrible way to live. Life is so much more than that🇧🇷 hustlerose89 / Reddit

“He made me very anxious and I lived with a knot in my stomach. ‘Will he love me today? Will tomorrow end with me? Are you going to beg me to stay on Wednesday?’ I never knew what to expect. Until I realized the relationship wasn’t healthy for me. I was mentally intoxicated. I finally realized what all my friends and family had already realized: I deserved better. When I realized that being single would make me happier than being with him, I woke up. While it’s hard to let go of a toxic relationship, the future is much better without him🇧🇷 daytime_dreamer_ / Reddit

“One night I almost cried to death, because I saw cruelty in his eyes, as if my unhappiness gave him pleasure. That hurt a lot and it was then that I realized that my partner should be my shelter, and not a source of stress or resentment. The next day, I broke up with him. I am currently in love with a wonderful man, and the way he treats me never ceases to amaze me.” chelksea / Reddit

Have you ever experienced a situation like these? Do you know someone who has had an experience like this? What advice would you give to someone who wants to get out of a toxic relationship?