Recognizing Toxic Relationships: A Simple Guide

It's not always easy to see when a relationship is bad for you, especially when you're feeling stuck or lost. But knowing what a toxic relationship looks like is the first step to getting out of it. Here's a simple way to understand it:

1. You Feel Bad More Than Good: If being with someone makes you feel sad or stressed more than happy, that's not a good sign. It's like having a constant weight on your shoulders.
2. Criticism, Not Kindness: In toxic relationships, there's a lot of criticism. It's not the helpful kind but the kind that makes you feel small or worthless. It's like someone is always pointing out what's wrong with you, not what's right.
3. No Support: When you're excited or sad, the other person doesn't seem to care much. You feel alone even when they're right there with you.
4. You're Always Wrong: It feels like no matter what you do, it's never right or good enough. You start doubting yourself a lot.
5. Walking on Eggshells: You're always careful about what you say or do, afraid of making them angry or upset.
6. Ignoring Your Gut: Deep down, you might feel something's off. Trust that feeling. It's your mind telling you that something's not right.

Remember, it's okay to feel overwhelmed or scared about leaving a relationship like this. But it's important for your own happiness and health.

In such challenging times, remember that you're not alone. As your mentor, I'm here to offer personalized guidance and support through our Stand Strong Mentoring program. This is a space where you can speak freely and be heard, where your feelings and experiences are validated. Together, we'll work on strategies that empower you, help you regain control, and build a path forward. Taking the first step to talk about it can be a big change-maker. I'm here to help you navigate through this journey, offering the support and understanding you need.

You deserve to be treated with kindness, respect, and love. And it's never too late to start making changes that bring you closer to the life you want and deserve.