What are the early signs that a relationship is becoming toxic?

Toxicity in relationships usually creeps in slowly. Some early signs are: 1. Constant criticism – instead of support, you hear only negative remarks. 2. Jealousy – not the cute kind, but the kind that feels suffocating. 3. Unequal effort – one person is always giving, the other only taking. 4. Isolation – being pulled away from friends and family. If you notice two or more of these happening, it’s time to think seriously about whether to stay.

Sometimes the signs are not obvious. It may just feel like tiredness. You are drained after every interaction. You stop feeling excited to see the person’s name on your phone. This emotional exhaustion, if consistent, usually points to something toxic growing.

For me the biggest warning is control. If one person always wants to know where you are, who you talk with, and gets angry when you have personal space, it’s not healthy. Another sign is when arguments always end with you apologizing, even when you are not wrong.

One sign is when you start losing your sense of self. If you feel you must change your personality or hide parts of who you are just to keep the peace, it’s a red flag. Love should make you grow, not shrink.