Written by: Monica Braun, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Dating is a critical time for you to evaluate the traits that you desire most as well as what a healthy relationship looks and feels like. Use this time to discern what truly matters to you. Avoid toxic people at all costs, because they can deeply hurt you and cause negative ramifications throughout your life.
For this reason, it is important to learn about toxic signs. Pay close attention as you date, especially because some are not that obvious, but instead, extremely subtle.
Toxic signs
Significant negative effects on your mood and emotions
Anxiety to be around them or an unhealthy fear of their reactions
Warnings from family and friends
They avoid criticism or feedback or have an inability to look introspectively at themselves
They control or manipulate you and how you spend your time, who you spend your time with etcetera
They are emotionally abusive (want to control your emotions) such as name calling, insults etcetera
They “gaslight” you. Meaning, they blame you for your reactions even though they caused it.
Don’t be afraid to move on if you feel as if you are in a toxic relationship. Dating is a process that should help you grow as well as move forward with what feels right for you. Moving forward can be painful, however, it is way more painful to stay in a toxic relationship because it can affect your mental health and cause you unnecessary stress and turmoil.
On the other hand, a healthy and happy relationship should help you feel seen, heard and valued. It should be equal in terms of giving and receiving. You and your partner should become inspired to become your best selves together. Although there is no perfect relationship, a happy relationship is one in which two people are striving and growing together.
You are worthy of a healthy relationship that gives you joy and peace. Have high expectations and don’t give up until you have found a healthy and fulfilling relationship. It will be worth the wait!
Monica Braun, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Monica Braun is an international relationship coach. After being single for several years, she created strategies to transform her personal life from single to soulmate and is now happily married with a growing family. She has since created and implemented a program for other singles to attract a Spiritual and Emotional Companion through the Intentional Dating Process. She is the founder of Soul to Soul Coaching which includes personalized dating experiences that has helped several single clients become engaged and married. She has written the book “From Toxic to Soulmate Love,” a number 1 best seller on Amazon, and has dedicated her life to helping others attract the love of their lives.
