Toxic relationships can poison your life. Would you put toxic chemicals in your body? More than likely, you try to avoid them. Toxic relationships drain your time, your energy, and your self-esteem. You know when you are in this type of relationship. You may feel tired, mistreated, and give more than you receive. These relationships can be with a lover, a friend, a family member or an ex-husband. You have the power to remove toxic ties from your life.
Recently, I cut a toxic tie with a friend. He continually disappointed me, and I allowed it. It took one last huge disappointment, and I said enough! I would no longer tolerate this type of treatment. I kept hoping for a change that may never occur, and the only one suffering was me. Once I made that decision, I felt more in control of my life.
A toxic relationship is like a computer virus that grows and grows. It may start small and go unnoticed, but, eventually, you see that your computer is not working quite right. The next day you may notice something else different about your computer as the virus continues to evade your hard drive. While in a toxic relationship, you may not be aware of the compromises initially, they will grow gradually, but, one day you realize you can no longer put up with the lies, the lack of respect or the constant drain on your time and energy. When that day arrives, you then must have the courage to cut the tie.
What you tolerate will happen again and again. It is like watching a movie or reading a book and hoping for a different ending. That is not going to happen. Releasing this type of relationship requires courage. It is not your fault that you are in a relationship of this type. But, you can do something about it because there is a huge cost.
1. If you are stuck in a toxic relationship ask yourself why you are stuck?
2. If it is a romantic relationship, do you believe that you do not deserve real love?
3. Set healthy boundaries and do not feel guilty about it. Or you may have to avoid contact altogether.
4. Ask yourself, what difference would it make in your life if this energy drainer was out of your life?
Have the courage to release. Do not tolerate mistreatment.