Being in a toxic marriage is emotionally draining. The ups and downs of dealing with a self-serving person who lives in your home can make you feel hopeless. For some individuals, the realization that things will never get better propels them to act.
There are many things that signal you’re in a toxic marriage. Taking a realistic look at your relationship could help you to see the truth.
What are the signs of a toxic marriage?
There are some toxic marriages that are easy to spot, but many are less obvious. You may be in a toxic marriage if you notice any of these signs:
- Feeling like you’re always walking on eggshells around your spouse
- Being cross-examined by a know-it-all spouse instead of having conversations with them
- Living with a spouse who’s critical, impatient, dismissive and condescending
- Noticing that your spouse is manipulating you
- Dealing with consistent lies about various aspects of your marriage
- Gaslighting by your spouse becomes a normal part of your life
- Ignoring your own self-care needs because you have to focus on your spouse’s needs
- Becoming physically ill or feeling like you’re always drained
- Having to keep your feelings and emotions inside because your spouse won’t listen to you when you express them
Getting out of a toxic marriage requires you to take a leap of faith. The first step is to file for a divorce so you can sever legal ties between you and your ex. While it might be tempting to try to do this alone, it’s best to have someone on your side who can protect your rights. Carefully consider how each option you have during the divorce process will impact you right now, but also in the future.
