Having a friend who’s in a toxic relationship is one of the worst things ever. You have to watch the toll the relationship takes on someone you love, but can’t do anything about it. You don’t want to turn them away and make them hide things from you, but you also don’t want to co-sign toxicity. Ultimately, they have to decide to leave themself, but here are a few things to do so you can feel less helpless.
This article only applies to emotional toxicity, please seek the proper help if you feel that your loved one is in physical danger.
1. Have a Listen Only Conversation
In order to figure out the full extent of what they’re dealing with, they need to feel safe sharing with you. Be an open ear and listen to all their problems with a neutral tone. If they sense any judgment that may cause them to withhold. Gather as much information as you can about their situation.
2. Express Your Concern
Once you’ve gathered enough data about the situation, you can approach it accordingly. You will have a better idea of the really sensitive areas and can cater to them better. Present your concerns casually, allowing them to open up without feeling like it’s an intervention.
3. Spend Alone Time With Them
One thing toxic people do is isolate their victims. Your friend is likely consumed in their toxic bubble, neglecting themselves. Go to the park, go bowling, or have a pizza movie night. Just make sure their partner isn’t there. Alone time allows them to reconnect with themselves and experience love and care that’s not toxic. The goal is for them to not feel the weight that they usually carry from their toxic relationship.
4. Encourage Them To Seek Help
Many people in toxic relationships believe it’s what they deserve, are scared to be alone, or are holding on to the thrills of the relationship. This isn’t healthy. Recommend a therapist and maybe even suggest going together. Sometimes it takes an outside opinion for someone to grasp the severity of a situation.
5. Take Care Of Yourself
You can drive yourself crazy worrying about a loved one. However, the hard truth is only they can help themselves. Provide them with an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, or even a couch to sleep on. Just make sure you take care of yourself and know that it’s okay to take a step back for your own mental health.
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