End a Toxic Relationship

A toxic relationship ultimately leaves the victim feeling totally defeated and isolated from the world. The toxic person most likely has convinced his partner that she cannot live without him or vice-versa--and because that toxic person has successfully undermined his partner’s confidence and feeling of self-worth, she believes it. In most cases, people stay in these relationships because they don’t know they have other options.

How To End a Toxic Relationship

Get a support network--In order to get out of a toxic relationship, it can be important for the person being controlled to gain supporters who can help him feel safe and secure, and who can reinforce his ability to take care of himself so he can truly know who he is and what he wants.

Cut it off cold turkey--Once you have decided to end a toxic relationship, it is best to have a clean break. Going bit by bit will only result in prolonging the pain and suffering.

Leave immediately--Get out while the gettin’s GO[o]D. Don’t dilly-dally.

Stay away--Don’t go back for more. If it didn’t work before, it’s not going to work now. You can’t change the other person; you can only change your-Self.

Avoid mutual friends who may still be in contract with the toxic person--This is a trap for getting sucked back in. Stay away from anyone (or any location) that has connections to the toxic person in your life. Give your-Self a fair chance to get better, and learn how to be in healthier relationships with healthier people.

Set healthier limits and boundaries for your-Self--Not only is it OK to say “No, you can’t treat me that way anymore" or “No, I can’t do that with/for you anymore," but it is sometimes necessary for your overall health and well-Being. Self-care is not selfish; it’s essential to your survival.

How to Get Healthier After a Toxic Relationship
Once you have made the decision to break away from a toxic relationship, it is time to begin the process of rebuilding your life. This may take some time, but it can be done. Here are the steps to getting back your health after a toxic relationship.

Make the decision--Determine that you are no longer going to live this way.

Make a commitment to change--Begin to rebuild your life in a way that's free of toxic chains.

Seek professional help--After you have begun the rebuilding process, you may need to seek out professional help regarding your mental or physical state. This may give you the initiation you need to continue to rebuild your self-esteem.

Join a support group--Speaking with others who have been through similar situations may help the rebuilding process.

Find a chat room online--Some people may not feel comfortable joining a support group or simply don’t have access to one. The Internet can offer many groups that can provide you with the support you need during this time.

Stay strong--Remember that you are worthy and lovable. This will continue to build up your self-esteem and rebuild your life. During your journey to uplift your self-esteem, try placing Post-it notes around your house with reminders to your-Self, such as “You are beautiful!” “You are worthy of love and respect!” “You deserve to be treated with love and kindness.” “You matter!” “You are so special!” and “I love you!” Come up with whatever feels GO[o]D to you or whatever you need/want to hear. Place these notes everywhere you look: the fridge, mirrors, doors, your computer screen, or anywhere you can easily seem them, just to remind you of how wonderful you truly are.