Just like our bodies and our minds, our relationships need nurturing to remain healthy and fulfilling. This is something we can easily forget to focus on and may neglect – to our detriment. Toxicity can seep into our interactions with the people who surround us – whether it’s with our significant others, friends or families. Unbalanced relationships can take a significant toll on many aspects of our wellbeing – including our physical, mental and emotional selves.

However, there are steps we can take to recognise destructive patterns with those around us and adjust our behaviour to foster positive relationships that uplift us and add value to our lives.

Signs your relationships need a detox

Before you begin to mend a toxic or unbalanced relationship, the first step is to recognise one. Below are just a few indicators that some of the relationships in your life may be hindering your wellbeing – rather than helping it.

Your disagreements are recurring

If you and your partner are frequently bickering, you may notice the same issues keep arising. This is a sign of either poor communication or listening, on either side of the relationship.

You no longer feel excited or fulfilled

You’ve entered the boredom zone: you’re no longer excited to see your friend or partner and don’t feel fulfilled afterwards. People change over time, this is a normal and natural progression in many relationships. Perhaps your interests have drifted apart, or perhaps you feel a general dissatisfaction in your own life that is being projected onto your interactions with others.

They are getting on your nerves

Even the smallest, most insignificant things they do manage to annoy you. This is a tell-tale sign of underlying tension that may need to be resolved before moving forward.

The relationship is one-sided

One person feels as though they are always going the extra mile to make the other person feel happy or comfortable. Or perhaps one person gets the final say and makes all of the decisions. Feelings of inequality form a shaky foundation for any relationship.

You don’t feel you can be your authentic self

Trust and acceptance are key to any healthy relationship and without this, you may not feel as though you can relax and show your true self. Feeling as though your authentic identity doesn’t please or live up to the standards of those around you may be a reflection of your own insecurities or their behaviour towards you.