By Ejime Udueme….
On regular basis, issues of toxic and abusive marriages have received negative media attention.
In most cases, it has led to maiming of spouses and death through physical injuries in self defense or attack to overpower the other.
A toxic marriage is a relationship where one or both partners consistently exhibit harmful, destructive, and damaging behaviors, causing emotional, physical, or psychological harm to the other partner.
These offensive behaviors can be overt or covert, intentional or unintentional and can lead to a toxic and unhealthy environment in the union.
Red flag of a toxic marriage include emotional abuse, constant criticism, emotional manipulation, unnecessary Control, gaslighting where a partner denies or distorts reality, making the other partner question their own perceptions or sanity.
The act takes the form of physical violence, intimidation, or threats, financial abuse, lack of emotional intimacy, repeated infidelity and lack of transparency and honesty in the relationship, disrespect and Contempt, stonewalling by refusing to communicate or respond to the other’s concerns or needs and lack of accountability.
Likely effects of a toxic Marriage are emotional trauma, anxiety, depression or other mental health issues, chronic stress, fatigue, or physical symptoms related to emotional distress, negative self-image, self-doubt, or feelings of worthlessness,isolation and loss of identity.
Likely causes of toxic marriage include poor Communication, infidelity, dishonesty, and broken promises, emotional abuse, unnecessary control and manipulation, resentment and anger, lack of intimacy, emotional or physical disconnection,financial Stress, disrespect, contempt and disdain for each other, unmet expectations, disappointment and frustration, unwillingness to Change as well as irreconcilable differences.
This ugly phenomenon can be addressed through improved Communication, rebuilding of trust, transparency, honesty, and reliability, proper counseling, setting of boundaries and prioritize self-care, foster emotional intelligence, develop self-awareness, empathy, and effective conflict resolution skills, prioritize emotional and physical connection, schedule regular date nights and practice affection, manage finances effectively by creating a shared budget, prioritize financial goals, and practice financial transparency, practice respect and empathy,
Also,treat each other with kindness, respect and understanding,discuss and adjust expectations, prioritize shared goals, and celebrate individual achievements and be willing to change for good.
Marriage is unique and what works for one couple may not work for another.
Quite unfortunate that many have died in the web of abusive relationship while others are enduring different kinds of inhuman treatment all in the name of being married.
The good thing about marriage is that everybody is a student and there is no expert.
In conclusion, divorce is not biblical, but walking away from toxic marriage in health is better than running to the grave untimely in search of love.
A living dog they say is million times better than a dead lion.
Ejime Udueme…..
