Are You in a Toxic Marriage? 10 Signs It May Be Time to File for Divorce

The term “toxic relationship” gets thrown around a lot these days, but toxic relationships are real and definable, according to mental health experts.

Positive relationships are those where spouses support one another. They show compassion and express empathy when the other partner is having challenges. Healthy relationships aren’t perfect, but both partners are willing to address the problems that cause conflict in the marriage. 

Psychologist Lillian Glass coined the term “toxic” when referring to relationships in her 1995 book, “Toxic People.” In a toxic marriage, one or both spouses behave in ways that cause emotional or even physical harm to the other. These unhealthy relationships are often built on control and competition rather than mutual support. 

How Do You Know Your Marriage Is Toxic?

Sadly, not everyone recognizes when they’re in a toxic marriage. People who have grown up in dysfunctional families may accept abusive behavior as “normal.” If your marriage is causing more heartache than happiness, divorce isn’t the only option, but it may be the healthiest. 

Toxic people tend to be manipulative and narcissistic. They often discourage others from seeking professional help, such as marriage counseling, because they don’t want to be held accountable for their unhealthy behaviors.

If you feel exhausted, disrespected, or constantly manipulated by your spouse, the following toxic marriage signs may help you decide whether it’s time to file for divorce. 

You Get Belittled for Having Feelings

Married couples make a vow to love and care for one another, but self-serving people don’t know how to offer emotional support. Instead of listening to your concerns, a toxic spouse may criticize you or make you feel foolish for expressing your feelings about a given situation. 

You Suddenly Realize You Lack Control in Your Own Life and Marriage

It doesn’t happen overnight, but toxic people eventually take over every aspect of a relationship, including when and how intimacy happens. They’re usually the ones deciding where you’ll live, where you’ll vacation, and how many children you’ll have. If your opinions and preferences don’t seem to matter, you may be in a toxic marriage.

You Feel Nervous Around Your Spouse

The inability to feel relaxed and at ease with your loved one is a major red flag that something is wrong. If you’re always walking on eggshells and waiting for your spouse to express their discontent, your marriage isn’t healthy. Domestic violence or any type of abusive behavior is unacceptable. Seek help if you’re afraid of your spouse. 

You Feel Isolated

If you feel all alone in your marriage, it could be by design. Manipulative people often isolate their spouses from friends and family members. Limiting interactions with others is one way to control a person and increase dependence within the relationship. If there’s no one left in your life to talk important matters over with, it may be because your toxic spouse planned it that way.  

Your Spouse Is Jealous and Accusing

If you’re still asking, “What is a toxic marriage?” consider whether or not your spouse frequently accuses you of flirting or having an affair. Toxic partners are known to project; in some cases, they may be the ones who are behaving inappropriately. Being forced to defend your actions and account for every moment of your day is neither normal nor healthy. 

Reach Out to Us for Help

Understanding how to know if your marriage is toxic is a positive first step. Marriage is sometimes difficult, but a healthy, functional relationship should never leave you feeling alone, disrespected, or afraid.

Divorcing a toxic person can present challenges of its own. A skilled attorney who understands the value of mediation and has experience dealing with narcissists can make the process easier. Contact McMichen, Cinami & Demps today for a confidential consultation.

Contact Our Divorce Law Firm in Orlando, FL

Contact the experienced Orlando divorce lawyers at McMichen, Cinami & Demps today for legal assistance. Contact our Orlando, FL office at (407) 898-2161 to schedule a free consultation.

McMichen, Cinami & Demps – Orlando Office
1500 E Concord St
Orlando, FL 32803