Signs of a toxic situation
Ignoring when you say no
Okay yes, it may seem obvious that this is a toxic sign, that can quickly become abuse, when explicitly stated, but when you are in a cycle where saying no is often ignored, you may not see the damage it is causing. A rule of thumb is to be better safe than sorry. Someone that truly cares about you, won’t force your boundaries.
If you relate to this, read on.
What does this look like?
– Pretending not to have heard you
– Insisting that they know what is best and proceeding despite protests
– Getting distant/upset when you establish boundaries
– Coercion after you say no
How to assert boundaries:
– Make sure to clearly state exactly what you want/what has been bothering you (Michelle C. Brooten-Brooks, 2023)
When its time to leave:
Frequent arguments
Okay yes, it may seem obvious that this is a toxic sign when explicitly stated, but when you are in a cycle where saying no is often ignored, you may not see the damage it is causing. A rule of thumb is to be better safe than sorry. Someone that truly cares about you, won’t force your boundaries.
Finding pleasure in your pain or discomfort
Okay yes, it may seem obvious that this is a toxic sign when explicitly stated, but when you are in a cycle where saying no is often ignored, you may not see the damage it is causing. A rule of thumb is to be better safe than sorry. Someone that truly cares about you, won’t force your boundaries.
Making you feel bad for setting boundaries
Okay yes, it may seem obvious that this is a toxic sign when explicitly stated, but when you are in a cycle where saying no is often ignored, you may not see the damage it is causing. A rule of thumb is to be better safe than sorry. Someone that truly cares about you, won’t force your boundaries.
Attempts to distance you from friends and family
Okay yes, it may seem obvious that this is a toxic sign when explicitly stated, but when you are in a cycle where saying no is often ignored, you may not see the damage it is causing. A rule of thumb is to be better safe than sorry. Someone that truly cares about you, won’t force your boundaries.
Using mental illness against you
Okay yes, it may seem obvious that this is a toxic sign when explicitly stated, but when you are in a cycle where saying no is often ignored, you may not see the damage it is causing. A rule of thumb is to be better safe than sorry. Someone that truly cares about you, won’t force your boundaries.
Perpetual victimhood
Okay yes, it may seem obvious that this is a toxic sign when explicitly stated, but when you are in a cycle where saying no is often ignored, you may not see the damage it is causing. A rule of thumb is to be better safe than sorry. Someone that truly cares about you, won’t force your boundaries.
Bringing up past events to justify present mistreatment
Okay yes, it may seem obvious that this is a toxic sign when explicitly stated, but when you are in a cycle where saying no is often ignored, you may not see the damage it is causing. A rule of thumb is to be better safe than sorry. Someone that truly cares about you, won’t force your boundaries.
Double standards
Okay yes, it may seem obvious that this is a toxic sign when explicitly stated, but when you are in a cycle where saying no is often ignored, you may not see the damage it is causing. A rule of thumb is to be better safe than sorry. Someone that truly cares about you, won’t force your boundaries.