Toxic relationships are common. In fact, research shows that over half of us experience relationship problems at least once per month, and this can be in romantic relationships, family ties, or friendships that have gone bad.

In too many cases, these problems often go unresolved and are ignored or brushed under the carpet. If you want to improve your relationships, you need to identify the root causes of the problems and address them.

Toxic relationships can be draining and damaging to our mental health, as well as affecting our social lives and career opportunities. The good news is that you can change your situation.

Read on to discover our top tips to break free from toxic relationships.

Become More Comfortable With Yourself

One of the most common reasons for many of us accepting and tolerating toxic behavior is due to an unhappiness with ourselves. This can include lack of confidence.

If we don’t feel comfortable in our own skin, then we will not stand up for ourselves when someone else is being abusive.

Take some time to work with yourself, and really become happy and comfortable with who you are. This will give you the confidence to address and tackle negative behavior in your life.

Don’t Take It Personally

It’s easy to take things personally, but sometimes we just need to step back and look at the bigger picture.

When someone says something hurtful, it’s important to remember that they may not mean it.

They could simply be trying to provoke a reaction, or they may be unaware of how their words affect others. By refusing to take it personally, you are protecting your mental health and happiness.

Be Honest And Open About What You Want

If you find yourself in a toxic relationship, it’s likely that you’ve been keeping secrets about what you want out of the relationship. This is understandable, especially if you’re afraid of upsetting the other person.

However, if you’re going to make any changes, you need to be honest and open about what you want.

If you are unhappy in a relationship or friendship, tell your partner or friend what you want. Tell them exactly why you want to leave, and ask them to help you make changes together that will help to rectify the situation.

Understand That Everyone Has Their Own Style Of Communication

We all communicate differently, and no two people speak in the same way. When you enter into a relationship, you should expect that your partner won’t always say what you want to hear.

This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try to understand where they’re coming from. Try to listen without interrupting, and let them know that you care about them.

If you find that the person you are speaking to has no interest in listening to you, or working to make things better, then it may be time to walk away.

Know Who You Are Friends With

We spend so much of our lives with people, yet we rarely stop to think about who we are friends with. In fact, many of us have very few close friendships.

The people you surround yourself with can have a significant impact on your overall health, happiness and wellbeing. Before you start spending too much time with anyone new, consider whether they are truly a positive influence in your life.

Final Thoughts

Toxic relationships are hard to avoid, but there are ways to protect yourself and your mental health. The first thing to do is to identify the problem. Once you’ve done this, you can begin to change your mindset regarding the issue, and surround yourself with people who bring real joy and value to your life.