D.C. Johnson

“When you are with certain people, do you invariably feel like “less?” Do you spend all of your energy worrying about pleasing someone else? Is his or her happiness more important than yours? Are their shifting moods a constant concern to you, because you never know when to expect a storm? It may seem that when you spend time together, you need to work hard to keep them upbeat and happy, as if it were your responsibility. It can seem like a constant struggle, with you never certain just where you’re going to end up. A toxic relationship has lots of negativity. Nothing is ever right. It can be you, your family, your job, your friends, the weather, the food, the news – anything. There’s always something wrong; something to complain about. In a toxic relationship, you can’t ever do anything right. If you get a promotion, you’ll be accused of seeing work as too important. If you don’t get promoted, you’ll be accused of not being competent enough. If you buy a new outfit, you’re a spendthrift. If you wear something old, you’re frumpy. The truth is, you’re caught in a vicious circle where you can no longer win. Toxic relationships can become familiar and almost comfortable, if that is what we are used to. It may become difficult or impossible for you to acknowledge a positive relationship because it lacks the drama that you are used”
― D.C. Johnson, Are You In A Toxic Relationship?: How To Let Go And Move On With Your Life

“Keep in mind a difficult relationship with a few problems doesn’t have to be toxic. Your neighbors or co-workers may be difficult, but they need not be toxic. These people may be annoying, but they are rarely important enough to you to have the power of poison. If you are unsure whether your relationship is toxic or merely difficult, consider the following traits that all toxic people have in common.”
― D.C. Johnson, Are You In A Toxic Relationship?: How To Let Go And Move On With Your Life