Number 1: Self-betrayal
If you find yourself abandoning aspects of who you are by putting the other person’s needs, wants and values above your own, or you’re self-abandoning in order to stay in the relationship, the dynamic is not working for you. The other person may or may not be toxic in and of themself, but the relationship dynamic is toxic if you’re not able to be all of yourself with the other person. Self-abandoning can also become self-betrayal, which is an even clearer sign of toxicity within the relationship. It can be helpful in these situations to get support from a coach, therapist or counselor in order to discover the best course of action and ways of communicating your needs with each other.
Kelsay Elizabeth Myers, Transformative Coach & Expressive Arts Practitioner