In effective communication, approaching discussions from a calm and curious standpoint is crucial, especially when addressing fears and emotions. The absence of such dialogue often indicates a toxic relationship, where one partner dominates with blame rather than understanding. Recognizing this pattern is essential for anyone trapped in an abusive dynamic. Establishing and maintaining boundaries requires immense courage and self-trust, along with inner work to prepare for resistance. In toxic environments, expressing boundaries may provoke anger rather than constructive dialogue, highlighting the challenges faced when attempting to navigate such relationships.
Toxic relationships aren’t bad ALL of the time - and that’s part of the problem. Today, Louise & clinical psychologist Dr. Tari Mack talk about how often toxic and abusive relationships can get labeled as ‘passionate’ or ‘rollercoaster’ and can have us walking on eggshells or begging for forgiveness while we wait for the good moments to return.
The pair discuss:
- How most relationships don’t start out as toxic or abusive and, instead, toxicity develops over time when the cracks start to appear.
- How a toxic person, or someone with toxic traits, may actually be grooming you early on to not have boundaries and to be the powerless party.
- Why a toxic person will make YOU responsible for their actions or feelings.
- The most common and frequent signs of toxic and abusive relationships that often get overlooked or brushed under the rug.
- How your first moments of conflict will show you a lot about the other person.
- How important it is to set boundaries early in a relationship and understand how the other responds to those boundaries.
- How a lack of respect from another can lead to self-doubt and lowered self-trust within yourself.
- The pair also discuss how important it is to NOT accept disrespect in relationships while trying to make space for ‘understanding’ the other person’s wounds and why they act that way. Dr. Tari Mack also helps to explain why we make excuses for other people’s behavior and how, instead, we can talk through how situations make us feel, rather than accusing or losing our sh*t.
The pair also discusses how crucial it is to NOT accept disrespect in relationships while attempting to create room for 'understanding' the other person’s wounds and the reasons behind their actions. Dr. Tari Mack also explains why we tend to make excuses for other people’s behavior and suggests that instead, we focus on discussing how situations make us feel, rather than resorting to accusations or losing our composure.
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Connect with Louise on Instagram: @iamlouiserumball
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Connect with Dr. Tari Mack on Instagram: @drtarimack
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