Is it just me, or does it seem today that so many toxic people live in the world? Okay, I know it is not just me. However, there has been a significant increase in toxic people over the last ten years. According to The American Psychological Association; “You can look at individual scores of narcissism, you can look at data on lifetime prevalence of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, you can look at related cultural trends, and they all point to one thing,” says W. Keith Campbell, Ph.D., head of the University of Georgia psychology department. “Narcissism is on the rise.”

If you are questioning whether you or someone you know is involved in a toxic relationship. Take a look below at the eight signs.

WHERE IS THE SUPPORT?

Simply put, you no longer feel like this person has your back. Every aspect of the relationship feels like a competition. They would sooner take the side of Big Brother contestant than you.

COMMUNICATION BLOCK

Even simple conversations feel like you are talking with an enemy. The exchanges are filled with criticism, resentment, and the passive-aggressive kind of sarcasm.

SPEAKING OF RESENTMENT…

When resentment sneaks its way into a relationship, it is like poison. When dealing with a toxic person, they bring the poison with them. You can feel it when they leave, arrive, speak, breathe, eat, laugh…you name it. You feel building anger that makes you want to slap their face. I had one client who asked her partner if he wanted her to stab him…and why? Because he did not reload the poop bags on the dog’s leash. Get my drift?

THE STRESS DOES NOT STOP

Certainly, there exists a normal amount of stress in the average persons’ life. This is not what I am referring to. This is tension; it runs through your veins and takes over your body. It can affect you physically, emotionally, and mentally. You may feel like you can’t breathe and that you are always on edge.

NO RESPECT

There is zero consistency in their behavior. They will show up late, forget important facts, dates, times. In fact, you will feel like you aren’t considered at all.

WHAT OTHER RELATIONSHIPS

On top of everything else, not only will this person take up all of your time. No, it does not matter if you are at work. When they need you, they need you. But, your relationships with family and friends will suffer. Often it will be a combination of them keeping you busy, but you will not feel like seeing anyone because of avoiding explaining what is going on. You want to hide the reality from them and from yourself.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SHOWERED?

Your self-care regime tends to go out the window. You can start experiencing signs of depression, lack of motivation to take care of yourself, things that used to bring you joy and independence won’t have the same hmmph.

WATCH WHERE YOU WALK

Have you heard the phrase **conflict-avoidant**? In a nutshell, it means avoiding any conflict. You will find yourself walking around eggshells to keep any sense of peace you can control. Not an easy task at all. You will find that you often feel damned if you do and damned if you don’t feel.

Does this sound like your relationship? I hope not, but just in case it does…you are not alone. Schedule your free, no strings attached session today. You will be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel and gain your life back.