13 Inescapable Signs Of A Dead-End, Toxic Relationship

It's time to leave this relationship before it gets worse.

Last updated on Feb 18, 2024

wary looking woman and man laying down Devon Divine on Unsplash
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Most of us long to be in a loving, committed relationship. So if you are starting to get some signs of a toxic relationship that tell you your current partner might not be the right person for you, the instinct is to close your eyes to the things you see. This will help you start rationalizing — to make a deal with the devil, so to speak — and stay put. Unfortunately, most relationships don't last forever. But figuring out how to know when to break up isn't always easy, even if all of the signs are right in front of you.

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Here's a hint: if you're hard at work ignoring the signs of an unhealthy and even toxic relationship, it's probably time to leave. Making a mess out of your life because you were too afraid to say goodbye isn't worth it. Here are 13 signs of a dead-end, toxic relationship that means it's time for you to break up and move forward.

Here are 13 inescapable signs of a dead-end, toxic relationship:

1. Communication is a struggle

You are aware that your partner is not empathetic and always gets defensive if you try to talk to them. If you don't have empathy, you don't have anything.

   

   

RELATED: 15 Relationship Red Flags You Should Never, Ever Ignore

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2. You don't touch each other

Your partner limits contact, you feel marginalized and not important most of the time. Perhaps this is the "they're just not that into you" category. You have to face the truth about that and not tolerate settling for crumbs.

3. You can't connect

You were initially attracted physically, but don't end up feeling there is a person of substance there to connect with.

4. They seem to get angry with everything

Your partner is very reactive — more than warrants the situation. If you think it's bad now...

5. There's no discussion, only arguing

Accepting differences is part of being a grown-up. In your primary relationship, there will always be differences. But if your partner can't handle you not agreeing with them, that is a major red flag.

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RELATED: 15 Surefire Signs It's Time To Break Up With Him

6. They belittle your ideals and beliefs

Your values and beliefs are so polarized. If you can't bear to live with someone who thinks your ideas aren't valid — don’t.

7. You want to spend more time apart than together

You find yourself wanting space a lot. It’s the opposite of feeling like you can't get enough of your partner or can't wait to see them at the end of the day. Maybe in your head, you want to be partnered, but your body is telling you something different.

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8. You feel like you have to pretend to be someone else

You don't feel like you can be yourself. You feel anxious, or have the feeling you are walking on eggshells. Run for the hills!

9. They try to control you

Your partner is super clingy or super controlling and you can't talk to them about it. This is a huge red flag!

RELATED: 6 Less Obvious Signs He's Only Using You

10. Your partner doesn't seem to want to make you a part of their life

You don't feel loved and cherished much of the time. You don't get the feeling your partner is thrilled to be in the world with you. You’ve been together for three years and they still don't introduce you as their boyfriend/girlfriend... please!

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11. Your loved ones don't like them

Your family and friends all are warning you. Take a hard look.

12. You don't see a future together

You don't have that total green light feeling of seeing a future together. Your body keeps giving you a yellow or red signal instead of green.

13. Your partner doesn't seem to want to fix problems

You seem to be the only one in the relationship who understands that you have to work on things, the only one who wants to bring conscious intentionality to your communication. It is so important to marry the right person! Seek the truth and listen to your instincts. They will save you.

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RELATED: If A Man Does These 11 Things, He Will Never Fall In Love With You

Evie Shafner is a licensed MFT, clinical psychologist, and Imago therapy practitioner who wants to help people take the helm of their lives.