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Was my relationship toxic?

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  • #123121
    Tom
    Participant

    I am around a month or so out of a nearly two year relationship and on reflection I am looking back and wondering whether this was a toxic relationship.

    I believe my former partner had issues with anxiety, she would get very stressed about work and other things and this would result in mood swings etc. I am not saying I was perfect but always tried to support her and reassure her during this but it often felt like whatever I said/did was wrong and I felt like I was walking on eggshells around her. When she was fine it was ok, but it could happen in an instant, almost like the flick of the switch and she would become angry. If we argued, she would often say stuff that she knew would upset me. After these outbursts, she would be very emotional and upset as saying that she is worried of losing me.

    I never did because I cared for her and she was a nice, caring person without the stress and worry.

    I moved in to her place and thought this might help the issue but it made it worst. We had a big fight after a few days and she said she can’t do this anymore as needs to sort herself out so i packed up and left. I was upset but on reflection i think it is for the best as I think I should have walked away previously but thought things would get better so didn’t. Since the split, i had an email saying i had been supportive and kind and didn’t deserve to be treated how I was and that she needs to sort herself out on her own. I acknowledge the mail but said it is best if we don’t speak anymore and have had no contact since.

    From reading various bits, I am starting to think this was a toxic relationship? Or am I just trying to make myself feel better because I wasn’t the one that ended it?

    #123124
    Anonymous
    Guest

    Dear tom647:

    Wikipedia’s definition of toxicity: “Toxicity is the degree to which a substance can damage an organism”

    So yes, the relationship was toxic as it either damaged you or had the potential to damage you if you stayed longer. When she is not distressed, as in when she sent you that email, she is reasonable and conscientious, concerned about your welfare and what is fair.

    When she felt anger at you, she had the intention to hurt you proceeded to attack you by choosing and verbalizing words that will hurt you. That was her intention, to hurt you.

    You walked on eggshells, meaning you were afraid of coming attacks by her. Living under the ongoing threat of being attacked by walking on eggshells around the attacker-to-be does damage a person.

    People often misunderstand this point: it is most often people attack others when they are distressed, same as other animals. This is the normal for attacking: distressed precedes it. The fact she didn’t attack when calm does not mean she was not dangerous to you.

    What makes a person damaging and dangerous to another is when the person, under distress, attacks.

    anita

    #123129
    Tom
    Participant

    Hi Anita,

    Thanks for your response.
    What you said makes total sense and I can see it clearly now. Calm and non calm were like two different people but at it was the same person and I can see that now.

    #123143
    Anonymous
    Guest

    You are welcome, tom637. I am glad you have clarity. Clarity is so important to have. Post again, anytime.
    anita

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