Toxic Relationships - 3 Signs of a Toxic Relationship

Most people who want to be in a relationship desire it to be a happy one, mutually respectful, loving, and supportive. When both partners are reasonably emotionally balanced and committed to each other, this ideal can be made a reality. However, there are situations where one or both partners have destructive personal issues and/or attempt to control, manipulate, and demean their partner, and these unbalanced scenarios can make the relationship very toxic. Here are 3 scenarios in which the damage and destruction are so great that the relationship is truly a toxic one. Here are 3 signs of a toxic relationship:
1. Addictions are rampant in the relationship. If a partner is dependent on drugs and alcohol, chances are most of his or her mental energy and preoccupation is going to be with scoring the next high or having another drink. It is very tempting to be drawn into the world of managing your partner's crises - often at the expense of your own needs. In addition, your partner's using might lead to problems with jobs, criminal behavior (DUI's, etc) that could impact your life.
2. Your partner is abusive toward you in any way, physically or emotionally. Physical abuse is very serious and often escalates. If this is happening to you, please contact a counselor or shelter that deals with domestic violence to get some help. Emotional abuse is likewise very serious. It may not leave physical scars, but it can be terribly damaging to self esteem over time and lead to depression. And, emotional abuse is sometimes the lead in for physical escalation.
3. Infidelity occurs, and it is not an isolated incident, but a pattern of behavior. An affair doesn't always spell instant doom for a couple. If both partners are sincerely dedicated to doing the repair work, improving communication, and increasing accountability. The affair may actually have the effect of making the bond between partners stronger. However, if the infidelity continues, this is a very toxic scenario. Emotionally it is devastating to be betrayed over and over, and no real relationship can be built where there is no trust. It is even a physical risk to your health to stay with someone who is unfaithful and possibly exposing you to sexually transmitted disease.
By the way, what is holding you back from making the best choices to achieve the life you deserve?