8 Types of Toxic Relationships to Avoid ...

8 Types of Toxic Relationships to Avoid ...
By Heather • May 16, 2013 MD

When it comes to relationships, there are tons of different kinds, including types of toxic relationships that you really need to avoid. Avoiding these types of toxic relationships can be hard, especially if you don't know exactly what you should be looking out for. I've compiled the top 8 different toxic relationships that should be on your radar, so watch out!

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1. Negative Thinking Relationship

This is one of the most common types of toxic relationships that can actually be really hard to avoid. We've all been negative at one point in our lives, but to build a relationship out of negativity? It's awful! This relationship is a constant cycle of complaining, of canceling plans and of just plain being negative and never, ever looking on the bright side. This is a relationship that can drain your soul and all of your emotions.

Thinking...

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2. Cheating Relationship

What about a relationship where you both constantly cheat but you don't think your partner would ever do that? If you've ever seen 'Couples Retreat,' you know exactly what type of relationship this is. This is a relationship that is not full of trust – but rather full of emptiness. Any type of infidelity in a relationship makes it toxic, so you have to watch out.

Thinking...

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3. Controlling/Jealous Relationship

This is a horrible relationship to be in too, this is the opposite end of the spectrum from the cheating type of relationship. This is where your every move, every thought, every word is controlled or judged or can be made out to make your partner jealous. Have you ever been afraid to make plans with people because your partner will get mad? This is toxic and not a good relationship to be in.

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4. Blaming Relationship

Ah, the blaming relationship. This is where you or your partner is constantly at fault for something and you are constantly blaming each other. This relationship is toxic because there isn't a lot of trust, there isn't a lot of anything but blame in it. Who would want to be in this type of relationship?

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If you're looking to engage your partner in intriguing conversations, why not try some hypothetical questions for couples? These fun queries will not only keep the conversation lively but also stimulate deep thoughts and potentially reveal insights about each other's personality and thought processes.

5. Demanding Relationship

What about a relationship that is very, very demanding? A relationship that is filled with demands, so many expectations and tons of concessions. This doesn't sound like a relationship that I would ever want to be in, what about you?

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6. Over-the-Top Perfectionist Relationship

When you're in a relationship and you feel like you can't even move without your partner criticizing you because you aren't perfect, that is one of the worst kinds of toxic. I've been in this type of relationship before and I couldn't stand it. It was awful all of the time.

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7. Extreme Insecurity Relationship

Is your relationship a constant reassuring gesture? Does your partner constantly feel like they aren't good enough for you? While you might not think that this is a toxic relationship, it can wear on you after a while, constantly having to reassure him or her that you are perfect just the way you are.

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8. Competitive/Manipulative Relationship

Finally, the last toxic relationship that we're going to talk about is all about competition and manipulation. Neither of these things (unless the competition is friendly) should ever be in a relationship. If you are in a relationship that is constantly competitive or manipulative, it isn't a good one to be in. Hands down, this one can screw you up a lot.

While being in a relationship can be fantastic, toxic relationships can come up. They are unhealthy and not great to be in. So, what other toxic relationships are out there? Have you been in one of these relationships?

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Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • ikar

    2013-05-17T17:25:34.000Z

    Yes. Avoid avoid.
  • Margaret

    2013-05-17T02:47:39.000Z

    I've been in a controlling/jealous relationship with a very insecure guy!! I just thought he liked me a lot, but he made the relationship move at such a fast pace and we pretty much hit every relationship milestone, meeting the parents/saying I love you within the first month. I just thought he was completely crazy about me. I didn't realize how manipulative his behavior was until our relationship was over! I realize now that I'm so thankful the relationship ended!
  • jemma

    2013-05-17T06:58:09.000Z

    How about the "maybe baby" relationship, where the one person keeps changing their mind and you never know exactly where you stand or where you are at with them- one month they don't know what they want in life, the next they are madly in love and want a future.. Blah blah.. I can attest to this because I just got out of one!!
  • Jean

    2013-05-16T22:48:47.000Z

    Oh, Heather, you are always so right on!! I've been a relationship (actually a marriage) that had a few of those in it. It was hell! We are still recovering. You must remember that you are a priceless gift and don't let anyone destroy you in any way, shape, or form!!
  • Natalie

    2013-05-17T02:39:18.000Z

    I didn't even realize I was in a toxic relationship until afterwards
  • Key_denise

    2013-05-19T12:07:42.000Z

    I had 8 �
  • Victoria

    2013-05-17T00:17:41.000Z

    You're right, I've experienced those from just one man and it feels awful! Now I'm in the process of healing I just wish I will be over him soon..
  • splashhhh

    2013-05-17T05:52:30.000Z

    Imagine a relationship that has all of this and ur stuck with it
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