How to Fix a Toxic Relationship

This article is all about how to fix a toxic relationship.

Disclaimer: I am not a relationship expert. This is simply advice from my personal experience and views. Please use this advice accordingly to your own needs. This NOT in any way proven to be the correct or incorrect answer to this topic.

Well, here we are. Trying to figure this thing out. The truth is, if you think you have find a way to fix things, it’s probably not meant to be. But there’s hope. There are ways to help your relationship, but things have to be done from both people. So let’s get started! This is how you fix a toxic relationship.

Before we find ways to fix a toxic relationship, let’s define what we mean by “toxic.”

What is a toxic relationship?

A toxic relationship is a negative relationship. Some examples are when a relationship is unsupportive, competitive and full of conflict. The most severe cases of a toxic relationship includes abuse (verbal, emotional and physical).

The thing that makes a relationship toxic is the negative and helpless effect it has on one or both people. It is important to know that toxic relationships are not limited to romantic relationships. A toxic relationship could be in a friendship, partnership or professional. It could even be found in families.

Signs of a toxic relationship

There are some specific signs you could look for to determine if you are in a toxic relationship. Some signs are:

A bad feeling and self conscious when you are around that person.
You stop expressing how you feel.
No trust.
Lies.
You do all the work.
Any form of abuse.

These red flags are important in determining if you are in a toxic relationship. If you are experiencing more than one of these signs, you may need help. For more information on how to tell if you are in a toxic relationship, see this article on the 15 Signs of a Toxic Relationship.

Can you fix a toxic relationship?

how to fix a toxic relationship — Image by: Freepik

Yes, you can fix a toxic relationship. But the real question is: Should your time and energy be spent on rebuilding something you consider toxic? Is it worth investing in someone that has done so much harm to the relationship?

This answer totally depends on the circumstances. Fixing a toxic relationship is a lot of work and you want to make sure you and the other person is up to the task.

How to fix a toxic relationship?

1. Understand

You want to be absolutely sure that the relationship is toxic. look out for all of the signs of a toxic relationship. Identify what is making it toxic by using the list above. Not all things could result in a toxic relationship.

For example, a minor flaw in the relationship doesn’t make it toxic. An argument or two doesn’t make a relationship toxic. It is the constant negative effect it has on you and your feelings is what makes a relationship toxic.

2. Communication

Find your voice, and use it! Communication is a way to get your point across. It is also the opportunity to listen to the other person to see how they feel this is an important step to get your feelings out because it lead to the next step.

The next step in the communication phase is to cut off contact for some time. Yes you read it right. Sometimes the most powerful form of communication is none. It is a time to focus on you and discover how important and valuable you are to yourself before you invest in others.

3. Trust

Trust your instincts. If your toxic relationship is romantic, you will need trust to rebuild a loving relationship. Know that you could rediscover trust in the relationship by developing a friendship first. Then you will see that person as another human rather than your love.

Trust in plutonic relationships are not as extreme. But it is good to keep your guard up and not get too personal. Remember it is separate from a professional relationship, family and friendships. So once you know that this person is positive part of your life, then you could open up to them.

4. Courage

Fixing a toxic relationship takes a lot of courage. And knowing that there’s a 50/50 chance of it actually working, but STILL trying takes a lot of guts.

It takes some strength and courage to get through to fixing a toxic relationship. You must remember that you are brave enough to try. But more importantly you are brave enough to let go and move on if you have to.

You can not be afraid of any outcome of trying to fix a toxic relationship. It may work, it may not, but no fear.

5. Honesty

In order to fix a toxic relationship you must go through this cycle of honesty. You must be honest about experiencing a toxic relationship. You and your partner must be honest about what is making the relationship toxic. And then you must be honest about a real life solution to the problem.

The thing about honesty is that it holds no merits. It’s simply the truth. And we all know that the truth could be ugly, messy and aggravating.

But the truth shall set you free. Once the honesty is there, then you could work towards the most important step in fixing a toxic relationship…….

6. You

You are the most important factor in fixing a toxic relationship. You are the deciding factor of were this relationship goes. Make sure that it is about fixing the relationship and not about changing a person (that will never work).

The bottom line is that you do not have any control over nobody but YOU. Use your time and your feelings wisely. You do not have to deal with it alone and know that you are worthy of a happy and healthy relationship.

At the end of the day…

There is no clear guide on how to fix a toxic relationship. The key factors are that you know what is happening within the relationship and within yourself. Going through these steps is the best way to get a better idea of how to go about solving this.

Conclusion

And there you go. This is how you fix a toxic relationship. These 6 ways to fixing a toxic relationship are very important, but there are not all created equal. For example, you may need more understanding than courage. Or you may need to see value in yourself before you invest in another person. You may need more trust than communication.

Whatever approach you take in this is up to you. Know that there is not 100% accurate answer. Take things one by one and go through the steps to creating a supportive relationship.

Featured Image by Freepik