Behavioral therapist Elisa Ponte states that depending on the level at which this person is involved, they may not have the tools to free themselves.
At some point you have heard this expression or even dealt with it. A toxic relationship is an extremely abusive emotional, physical or psychological bond that occurs in the workplace, in the family environment or in romantic relationships. The emotional intelligence specialist and behavioral therapist helps identify the signs.
“A toxic relationship is a bond in which there is emotional, physical or psychological abuse. It can occur between friends, family, coworkers or romantic partners. Some signs are presented, Lack of support, anxiety, fear, jealousy, threats, criticism disguised as praise, disrespect, emotional and physical financial dependence, disrespect for boundaries”, she points out.
Elisa says that generally, no one will be toxic in a relationship at the beginning of the relationship. “This happens over time. You meet someone, you reveal your dreams, your goals, your objectives, you bring that person into your world, you want them to be part of your reality. And this happens in any environment, whether it’s family, friendship or love. And you don’t know what’s going on in the other person’s head. And it all starts with a great friendship. Because in all our relationships, at the beginning, we have to establish a level of trust. You don’t start a relationship if you don’t feel comfortable and trusting. And when the person starts to realize that you’ve given them this opening and they have bad intentions, they can take advantage of your vulnerability to start emotional, physical or psychological attacks,” emphasizes the specialist.
Elisa says that when a person is totally involved in an abusive relationship, they can’t realize it. “Sometimes she feels bad, she cries, she shares it with friends or someone close to her, people who are outside start to give their opinions and she, in her real world and depending on the degree of dependence, she can’t realize it. The person apologizes, asks for forgiveness, says it won’t happen again and it’s a repetitive cycle. And the person starts to realize that the relationship is no longer doing her any good and she can’t free herself. And many relationships end up passing, becoming totally dependent on each other because. The more freedom you give to a person, the more knowledge they have about you. And imagine living in a relationship where the person knows all your information, your weaknesses, your pains, your dreams, your strengths. And they are there with the sole objective of holding you back, hurting you, wounding you. And then this person has no tools to free themselves. And the people who are outside to give their opinions, there is always someone to give their opinions, they only ask this question: Why don’t you get out of this relationship? Why don’t you let go of this? This is not for you”, he highlights,