Toxic Relationship Signs That People Think Are Okay–Guess What, They’re Not

Toxic relationship–you may be in one because you think that what is happening with you and with your partner is just normal. Guess what–it’s not. Here are 10 toxic relationship signs to look out for.

Relationships are hard work. They can be rewarding, but it takes two people who are willing to make things work. However, relationships are never how they are portrayed on television or in the movies.

In fact, you may be in a difficult, toxic relationship, but you don’t know it yet. You may even think that all the hurt and negativity you’re getting are what makes things more romantic.

To help give you some perspective, here are some of the toxic relationship signs that most people think are normal–and maybe you’re experiencing them too.

1. Keeping score. When your partner and/or you keep tabs on the mistakes you did in the past and bring it up when you or your partner screws up. Sometimes, you justify your own misdeeds because of something terrible your partner did in the past.

2. Passive-aggressive behavior. This is like a mind game that can be exhausting. Your partner will suddenly do some things that are meant to be clues as yo what they’re feeling. Instead of this, communication must be increased and developed.

3. Holding the relationship hostage. It may be a bad day, but not a bad relationship. Here, you may have done a small mistake and your partner will already think that the relationship is a mistake, or threaten you about ending the relationship.

4. Blame-tossing. Blaming you for their own feelings is unfair and selfish. You are responsible for your own actions and emotions, as well as the things that come out from these emotions.

5. Filling holes in the relationship with superficial things. Instead of spending quality time together or talking things out, your partner may just buy his/her way out of the problem. Instead of solving your issues, you both bury it with material things, sex, eating out or trips, but the problem is just simmering under.

6. Letting your partner control you. While this dominance may be seen as romantic, thanks to “50 Shades of Grey,” this is unhealthy. You have to stand up for yourself and be your own person.

7. Knowing each others’ passwords. This is not a sign of trust, but a signs of exactly the opposite, and you may just be waiting for the other to make a mistake.