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How to Fix a Toxic Relationship before It’s Too Late

Silhouette of a woman turning her back to a man
Learning how to fix a toxic relationship isn’t easy, but it’s necessary if you believe that your love for each other is worth it.

Most people talk about leaving toxic relationships. But while leaving is a good option, some still ask, Is it possible to save one?

In order to properly discuss the topic of how to fix a toxic relationship, it’s first important to understand exactly what a toxic relationship is.

According to Psychology Today, an unhealthy or toxic relationship is one that is emotionally or physically harmful to a person. The term was coined by psychology expert Lillian Glass in her 1995 book Toxic People, where she further explained that a toxic relationship is built on conflict, disrespect, competition, and the need to control your partner.

Toxic Relationship Examples

Emotional pain is a common factor in unhealthy relationships.

You find yourself constantly heartbroken, and your connection with your partner lacks healthy emotional intimacy. You often feel alone and unsupported. You don’t even know if your partner really loves you.

Other factors include poor communication, excessive jealousy, and even manipulation. If you don’t have room to grow and flourish, and you spend more time miserable than happy, then there’s a good chance you’re stuck in a toxic relationship.

Often conflated with abuse, toxic behavior in relationships isn’t always deliberate. Sometimes, couples end up with this kind of dynamic due to ignorance or as a product of other underlying issues.

Basically, all abusive relationships are toxic, but not all toxic relationships are abusive. You also don’t have to wait to learn how to fix a toxic relationship after breaking up when you can do it if there’s still a chance to fix things.

It is only when couples make the conscious choice to understand their situation and address their problems that they can successfully figure out how to fix a toxic relationship.

Ways to Fix a Toxic Relationship

Not every unhealthy relationship can be saved. If one or both partners are unable or unwilling to acknowledge the issues they’re dealing with, it’s difficult to aim for positive changes.

Which is why if you want to fix what you believe is a toxic relationship, there are several things you need to do: