If you hear these 4 phrases, your relationship with a toxic partner may have already begun

At first glance, every relationship appears straightforward. From afar, we might seem like the best advisors a friend could wish for. However, when it comes to offering ourselves guidance—or remaining true to our own beliefs—our entire story often unravels. We frequently become our own worst adversaries, and history has demonstrated this repeatedly.

You can probably spot a toxic relationship a mile away. That kind of clarity, free from emotional weight, works well when you’re observing others through binoculars—but it’s a whole different story when you’re caught in the whirlwind yourself.

Some food for thought if you think you might be in a toxic relationship

Here are a few signs of toxic behavior that might help to evaluate the kind of relationship you are in.

If you have doubts about whether your potential partner may be toxic, consider these four phrases that may provide valuable insights.

Imagine telling your partner that someone made a comment that hurt your feelings. A toxic person might try to invalidate your feelings and say something like “You’re so sensitive” rather than asking you to explain further if they don’t understand.

A toxic partner might try to control your life, including who you spend time with, and might enjoy others telling you what to do as well.

 “I’ll order for you—I’ve been here a bunch of times,” is a comment that should be taken as a yellow flag. Sure, they might know what they like, but with no idea what your preferences are, this behavior is rude.

Another phrase that dismisses your emotions is: “Don’t get offended, I was just joking!” This type of comment is representative of a person who is willing to make jokes at your expense, even if you are hurt by them.

Lastly, if, after a first date, you ask about seeing each other again and they respond with something vague like, “We’ll see,” that could also be a sign of toxic behavior.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.