4 Ways to Improve Your Relationship with a Toxic Spouse
It’s a difficult reality to be in a relationship with a toxic spouse. They make you feel like you can never do anything right and you might even waste your time trying to please them. This article offers some tips on how to deal with a toxic spouse from an understanding perspective, without totally giving up on the relationship.
What is toxic spouse syndrome?
Toxic Spouse Syndrome is a condition which arises when one spouse influences the other spouse to make certain choices that may be detrimental to their health. This syndrome includes behaviors such as telling lies, undermining self-confidence, or withholding information needed to make an informed decision. It’s important to know the signs of TS for toxic spouses are not always easy to see because it often takes place behind closed doors.
The emotional, mental, and physical effects on the victim
Abuse, whether physical, emotional, or mental, is never OK. However, it’s not always easy to leave an abusive partner because of the many factors that can influence one’s decision. Breaking free may be difficult for a victim if they have children together, don’t have much money saved up, feel tied to their abuser due to financial dependence, or are unsure of what life will be like without their partner.
Differences in toxic relationships between men and women
Men and women may use different tactics to be toxic. Women usually can’t make a relationship work, they try to change themselves or others in the relationship, and they play the victim. Men generally stay quiet and avoid confrontation. They also make it difficult for their partner by not compromising or communicating effectively.
How to minimize or avoid contact with your toxic spouse
It can be difficult to maintain a healthy relationship with your toxic spouse. If you are unable to end the marriage, you can try to limit contact with your spouse by keeping your distance. If they live in the same home as you, avoid physical touch- it’s likely that most of your contact will happen through verbal communication or text messages. When possible, find ways to spend time apart from each other- take walks, have coffee with friends, work out at the gym.
What are some alternatives to improve your relationship with them?
It’s important not to forget that a toxic spouse is a person who might have a very different perspective on the world. It’s not just about being hurtful or negative. They may see the world as a much scarier place than you do, and they might have been hurt by people in their life that you had nothing to do with. You can’t change these things, but there are some ways you can work to improve your relationship with them.
