Coping

How To Fix Toxic Behaviour in a Relationship?

Written By

Dr. Amar Shinde

Published on: 08 Jan 2025 | Last Updated on: 10 Feb 2025

Toxic behaviour in a relationship can make the dynamics of the relationship unhealthy, leading to emotional stress and dissatisfaction for both partners. Controlling actions or emotional manipulation, toxic behaviours can slowly wear away trust and love in any relationship. What is toxic behaviour, and how can it be fixed?

Toxic behaviour in a relationship is considered the actions that can cause harm, either emotionally or mentally, to your partner. This connection would then be dysfunctional. The good news is that it can change, and self-awareness will have to put in some effort to get there. And the first step is being able to know the need for change.

Understanding Toxic Behaviour in Relationships

Toxic behaviour in a relationship refers to behaviour or attitudes that are damaging to the emotional and mental well-being of a partner. These can destroy trust, create anxiety, and even undermine happiness in a relationship. They include manipulations, constant criticisms, and disregard for each other.

The most important indicators of toxic behaviour in a relationship are:

• Controlling or manipulative behaviour: One person seeks to control the other's decisions or cut him or her off from friends and family.
• Lack of respect and endless criticism: Belittling words damage their self-esteem as they feel unrespected and uncared for.
• Verbal abuse: Using harsh words or insults or using emotional manipulation against your partner to control your partner or degrade the partner.
• Blame shifting: Avoiding responsibility by blaming the partner for all the problems in the relationship.
• Gaslighting: The partner is made to doubt the reality or perception of events to cause confusion and self-doubt.
• Isolation: Separating the spouse from his friend and family system.
• Excessive jealousy: Where one becomes obsessed with the behaviour of the spouse, accusing without cause.
• Stonewalling and withdrawal: Lack of communication to solve conflicts while emotionally withdrawing when in conflict.

Such poor behaviour in relationships is often due to unresolved personal issues or old traumas. Breaking these kinds of patterns will require knowing the signs and dealing with the root causes. Recognising these toxic characteristics can be the first step toward healing and improving such a relationship.

Warning Signs of a Toxic Relationship

• Jealousy
• Ignoring boundaries
• Social isolation
• Lack of support
• Disrespect
• Emotional abuse
• Gaslighting
• Poor communication
• Controlling behaviour

Toxic Boyfriend Signs

This is some of the common signs that show if you are with a toxic boyfriend, such as:

• Controlling behaviours

He tries to control what you wear, who you talk to, or where you go.

• No trust

He always doubts you, checks on your phone, or accuses you of something you did without evidence.

• Jealousy

He gets over-obsessive about you and makes you feel bad for spending time with others.

• Emotional manipulation

He uses guilt, the silent treatment, or drama to control you or get his way.

• Disrespect

He dismisses your boundaries, ignores your needs, or treats you poorly.

• Mood swings

His emotions are unpredictable, making you feel like you're walking on eggshells.

• Lack of support

He doesn't celebrate your successes and downplays your struggles.

• Physical or vocal abuse

Every form of violence, whether bodily, vocal, or psychological, serves as a green flag.

How to Fix Toxic Behaviour in a Relationship: Practical Steps

Admit and determine your behaviour.

The first step to fixing toxic behaviour in a relationship is to realise that it exists. Self-awareness is important during this process. Ask yourself the following:

• How do I contribute to our relationship problems?
• Do my actions or words hurt my partner emotionally?

Reflecting upon your behaviour gives you a point from where change begins. Your understanding of actions' effects and the realisation of certain mistakes may necessitate improvements in those actions.

Find a Professional Consultant

Therapy can greatly help in stopping bad behaviour inside relationships. With the help of a professional trainer, it may provide a well-protected opportunity for self-revelation and growth. 

Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre offers relationship therapy to help people with toxic behaviour inside their relationships find new ways of expressing themselves.

It is tailored around understanding the roots of emotional expressions of toxic behaviour, providing a tool for achieving a more positive relationship.

Healthier Communication

To mend toxic behaviour in a relationship, you must upgrade how you speak to your partner. Healthy communication is key for any relationship, and it follows that you express yourself clearly while avoiding blame:

• Use "I" statements rather than accusing statements (e.g., "I feel hurt when…").
• Be a good listener and avoid interrupting your partner.
• Do not use harsh words or criticism against your partner; this will undermine trust.

Healthy communication can transform a relationship, encouraging understanding and empathy.

Practice Empathy and Patience

Empathy is key to understanding your partner's feelings and needs. When you practice empathy, you become more attuned to how your actions affect your partner emotionally. Patience is equally important, as changing toxic patterns takes time for both partners.

Being patient with yourself and your partner creates a supportive environment for mutual growth and healing.

Set Boundaries and Respect Them

To avoid bad behaviour in relationships, one must establish boundaries and respect them. Boundaries include:

• Respect personal space and alone time with your partner.
• Avoid using harmful words to your partner when in disagreement.

Clear boundaries ensure both partners value their rights, thus stopping the toxin from arising again.

Why Choose Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre to Fix Toxic Relationships?

At Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre, we treat every individual and couple who approaches us to cure toxic relationship patterns. Here is why we stand out:

• Tailor-made therapy programs: We develop customised programs of therapy that consider your unique relationship issues.
• Experienced team members: Our team consists of highly experienced psychologists, relationship counsellors, and therapists.
• Holistic approach: We blend evidence-based therapies with a healing atmosphere to support whole emotional recovery.
• Focus on long-term recovery: Our intention is to direct you toward sustainable, positive change and healthier relationship patterns.
• Safe and supportive environment: We offer a safe space for you to explore emotions and confront toxic behaviours.
• Proven success: Our centre has helped hundreds of individuals and couples rebuild healthier, happier relationships.

Whether it is emotional manipulation or communication breakdowns, we provide you with the support needed to heal and transform your relationship.

Dr. Amar Shinde

Dr. Amar Shinde, founder of Jagruti Rehab, is a renowned psychiatrist in India with over two decades of experience in mental health, addiction recovery, and neuropsychiatry, dedicated to holistic, compassionate patient care.