Psychology 101 would challenge us to first always think about our own “vulnerable” situations. This series will challenge toy to look at you. This will be a series. My first question is , “Why do we stay in toxic relationships?” Many of use will deny the truth but in clinical practice, it is obvious. A lot of people are afraid to move out of comfortable yet toxic situations. Physical abuse, verbal abuse and emotional abuse are common ques to toxicity in a relationship. Is your relationship toxic?
In my practice, I see a lot of these type of relationships. Now, many people will never admit the discomfort, in their relationship, they will just push through until the end. So I am sure by now you would like to know why people remain in “toxic relationships.” Will just let me share some common reasons that I think people stay in bad or toxic situations.
Psychology 101 Lesson: The reasons….
- Fear of being alone-Many of us can not tolerate a moment to being without a spouse lover or friend. We feel loss and or desolate.
- Financial Dependence-He/she is paying your car note or rent so I have to stay here. The almighty dollar still rules in a lot of situations.
- Co-Dependency Issues-Really both of you are needy and the dysfunction is comfortable. Sometimes like-charges attract and it is a bad thing. People with similar issues being attracted to each other.
- Low self-esteem– “I’m fat/ugly and no one else really really want me.” You have failed every diet known to man so you just give-up.
- Mental Illness-May people have unresolved issues from childhood and there carry their dysfunction into their relationships. This can be a challenging form of “toxicity.’
Now that I have given you the possible reasons or etiology in Psychology 101, I am sure you have questions. The first being what should I do? The second, how do I get out?
