Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall, Where Does My Self-Love Fall

If one partner is toxic in a relationship, can the relationship continue being toxic without the toxic person? Of course not! That’s because the toxic partner’s behavior defines the relationship through control, manipulation, and power. Why does a non-toxic partner remain in an unhealthy or dysfunctional relationship? For that person, leaving becomes unimaginable or they hope to change the controller’s behavior. Perhaps they feel their toxic partner is the only person to ever love them, their self-worth is dependent on their relationship with that person, or their controller’s behavior does not change. In the long run, they may consider themselves a hostage of the relationship, conscious of the damage but unable to escape.

Once that toxic partner takes control, you may not realize you’re in a toxic relationship or that you are a victim or even a hostage. Through varied dysfunctional activities, your partner has gained power and control over you. Take back the power you gave to that toxic partner. Don’t become a prisoner to those who choose to control you. You can become your own worst enemy. No relationship is worth devaluing yourself. Empowerment is control, so empower yourself to be in control. Let go of the toxicity in your circle. Regain the power and break the chains of those who control you! When you’ve done that, the controller loses.