No one can deny the strong link between social connections, relationships, and overall health and longevity. The less connected you are, the less healthy you can expect to be. It’s crucial, therefore, to focus on your key intimate relationship to maximize your health and happiness. But what if that key relationship is toxic? Studies have shown the damaging effects that toxic relationships can have on our well-being, causing stress, anxiety, depression, and even medical problems.
In one study, researchers followed over 10,000 subjects for 12 years, discovering that those in negative-feeling relationships faced a higher risk of heart problems, including fatal heart attacks, compared to those in positive-feeling relationships. So, how can you tell if you’re in a toxic relationship? Answering the following questions should give you a clear idea.
Happy and healthy relationships
Do you usually feel content or energized, feel better about yourself after spending time together, feel emotionally and physically safe, experience equal “give and take”, feel happy with who you are, and enjoy compassion, freedom of thinking and sharing, and mutual love and caring?
Toxic or unhealthy relationships
Do you often feel unfulfilled and drained, feel worse about yourself after spending time together, feel threatened or in danger, find that you’re always giving while the other person is taking, feel like you have to change for the other person, and experience selfishness, demandingness, criticism, dishonesty, distrust, and demeaning words?
If you find yourself ranking your companionship as a 7 or below (with 1 being terrible and 10 being blissful), it deserves some real attention. By acknowledging the powerful influence of the law of attraction on relationships and improving how you think about and interact with your partner, you can create a healthier and happier connection.
First, be accountable for your contribution to the relationship. Take a critical look at your own mood, and eliminate any negative feelings you may carry into the relationship. Focus on what you like about your companion, dismissing and giving no attention to what you don’t like. Remember, the law of attraction states that “you get what you think about, whether you like it or not.” In other words, the more attention and thought you give to what you don’t like, the more you are causing what you don’t like to appear in your relationship.
Instead of trying to control your partner or expect them to do things the “right” way, treasure the diversity and unique attributes both of you bring to the relationship. Avoid arguing about the “right” and “wrong” ways to do things, and instead embrace the differences in your opinions, ways of living, and even beliefs. By honoring each other’s thoughts and choices, you’ll create freedom and peace, allowing you to enjoy and appreciate your differences and grow together in love. Be grateful every day and strive to make your companionship the absolute best it can be, both for your happiness and your health.
