Toxic relationships

Humans are social animals. We all crave social belonging, validation, love, and support. Our relationships fulfill part of these needs that's why they are important. We have biological relationships that we don't choose, this is a set of relatives that we get because of our biological connections. And we have social relationships like friends and colleagues that we develop on our own. Both these relationships play a vital part in our development and growth as a person. Trust is one of the essential ingredients that makes any relationship special, without trust no relationship lasts long and can be called a reliable relationship. However, not all relationships help us to thrive and flourish, some become toxic over a period of time. Toxic relationships make us feel suffocated, they take a severe toll on our mental health. Actually, no one wants to be in a toxic relationship, but sometimes, things are not in our hands, they depend a lot on how the next person behaves. Also, it is hard to get out of some toxic relationships depending on the length and complexity of these relationships. It is also tragic, that some relationships that are supposed to be full of love and care, like between parent and child, and relationships between siblings, and spouses, become toxic leaving a permanent scar on our minds.  

If we don't take the necessary steps either to repair our toxic relationships or get out of them, they can mess up our mental health. Most of the time, by the time any relationship becomes toxic, it is beyond the scope of revival, the best way at this point is to part ways amicably and move on. It is not easy, and it may be a painful process to part ways, especially if the relationship has been long and intimate, but the pain of separation is better than daily exposure to the toxic environment of that relationship. The toxicity of any relationship does not only affect our own mental health, but it may also affect our relationships with others. It may alter our personality in some undesired way that we push people away who care for us. Therefore, if you find yourself in a toxic relationship, start working towards coming out of it as soon as you can. Get all the help you need to analyze the situation and take the necessary steps. Ideally, this work should start much before the relationship becomes so toxic that you need to come out of it, but it is better to be late than never. It is a sad reality that some people refuse to change, they refuse to see that the other person is suffering because of their lack of empathy and understanding. Many times, there is nothing much to say or do once we give our best and still don't see any improvement. Coming out of a toxic relationship may allow us to cherish any beautiful moments that the relationship might have had. While remaining in it at the cost of our mental well-being ruins everything forever. Don't allow anyone to demean you, don't allow anyone to exploit you, don't allow anyone to take undue advantage of your kindness, don't allow anyone to take you for granted, don't allow anyone to violate your personal boundaries, and don't allow anyone to force you to be in any relationship. Take control of your own life. Toxic relationships only benefit the person who creates that toxicity, therefore, the sooner you take steps better for you. Stay safe and stay away from toxic relationships. 

Thank you for reading and please share your views on this topic. 

Vinay can be reached at thevinay2022@gmail.com