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As PsychCentral explains, toxic relationships aren’t always violent. However, all violent relationships are toxic. Violent individuals often want control over you, whether physically, emotionally, or otherwise. They might try to isolate you from your family and friends, and limit your freedom in other ways.

If you need resources, help, or advice with leaving your relationship safely, immediately reach out to your local domestic violence hotlines. Alternatively, speak to a trusted family member or friend about your situation. Just remember to be subtle and cover your tracks digitally and in real-life so that your partner doesn’t find out about you making inquiries.

Your health and safety should always be your priorities.

The most common signs of toxic relationships include:

1. Your needs not being met
2. You always feel in the wrong
3. You don’t get treated as an equal
4. You can’t rely on the other person
5. You rarely discuss the future
6. Your other relationships suffer
7. You’re scared of the relationship ending
8. Your relationship doesn’t make you happy

“Healthy relationships make you feel just that –- happy, content, and fulfilled with the other person. If your relationship makes you unhappy, or even depressed or anxious, it may be a sign that you’re in an unhealthy relationship. You may even have reasons to want to stay, but they’re overshadowed by the unhappiness you feel with this other person,” PsychCentral explains.

Meanwhile, people in toxic relationships can sometimes feel stuck in them even if they feel unhappy and want to leave. Ending such a relationship can take planning. First, be honest with yourself about why specifically you want things to end. Next, think about all the technical things that will have to change before you start untangling the relationship and leave. Sort them out first. And lastly, give yourself some grace and patience. You will need time to heal.

“It can be difficult going through a breakup, even from a toxic partner – so it’s okay if it takes some time for you to adjust. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your support system as you navigate through this adjustment.”

If you feel like opening up and sharing some of your most private, personal, and vulnerable moments, feel free to do so in the comments.

What is the very worst, most toxic relationship that you have ever been in, and what happened? When did you know that it was time to break up with the other person? How did you manage to leave? What advice would you give anyone in the same situation to help them stay safe?