Although, as Christians, we are called to be charitable toward others, there are some relationships that we simply have to acknowledge are patently unhealthy. Certainly we can pray for healing, but we
might need to do that from a distance!
Unfortunately, sometimes the least healthy relationships are the ones we’re most anxious about letting go! This article from PsychCentral can help you discern whether you’re in a toxic relationship with a poisonous person.
1. It seems like you can’t do anything right – The other person constantly puts you down as not good enough. They mock your personality, and you feel ashamed most of the time. You only feel pardoned when you take on the traits of the person doing the condemning or judging.
2. Everything is about them and never about you – You have feelings too, but the other person won’t hear them. You’re unable to have a two-sided conversation where your opinion is heard, considered, and respected. Instead of acknowledging your feelings, they battle with you until they get the last word.
3. You find yourself unable to enjoy good moments with this person – Every day brings another challenge. It seems as though they are always raising gripes about you. Their attempt to control your behavior is an attempt to control your happiness.
4. You’re uncomfortable being yourself around that person – You don’t feel free to speak your mind. You have to put on a different face just to be accepted by that person. You realize you don’t even recognize yourself anymore.
5. You’re not allowed to grow and change – Whenever you aim to grow and improve yourself, the other person responds with mockery and disbelief. There is no encouragement or support for your efforts. Instead, they keep you stuck in old judgments insisting that you will never be any different than you are now.
If you’re experiencing even just one of these signs, check in with yourself to see if the relationship is doing more damage than good. READ MORE
For more ideas on effectively dealing with the Toxic People in your life, check out God Help Me, These People are Driving Me Nuts! Making Peace with Difficult People