Toxic Relationship Tank

For years, we've talked about red flags. We've read the books, watched the videos, and yet, some people are STILL stuck in toxic cycles. Why? That's what we're unpacking here. Because 2025 is not the year for ‘almost healed' or ‘kind of done'—we're done FOR REAL.

In this episode, we dive into the manipulative tactic of gaslighting. Learn how to recognize the subtle and overt signs, understand its psychological impact, and explore ways to rebuild your confidence and trust in your own perceptions. Whether you're healing from a toxic relationship or seeking to support someone who is, this conversation will empower you to reclaim your truth and thrive beyond manipulation.

"Welcome back to Toxic Relationship podcast! Today, we're diving into a crucial topic that impacts both personal and professional relationships: red flags. These warning signs can help us spot potential issues before they escalate, whether in business, leadership, or everyday interactions. Identifying red flags early on can save us from costly mistakes and emotional strain. So, let's break down what to watch for and how to act when these signs appear."

Navigating the world of dating and relationships comes with its own set of challenges, and for many men, one of those challenges is finding themselves repeatedly drawn to toxic women. It's a tough cycle to break, but today, we'll explore why this might happen and, more importantly, how to put an end to it.Before we dive in, I want to remind you that if you're interested in exploring this topic further, I've written a book titled *Why Do I Attract Toxic Women?* It's available now on Amazon, and in it, I go even deeper into the issues we're discussing today. So if you find this episode helpful, be sure to check out the book.

Leaving a toxic relationship is a courageous step, but the journey to healing and rebuilding your life can be challenging. In this episode, we'll discuss the stages of recovery, practical tips for healing, and how to rediscover yourself after a toxic relationship.

A toxic relationship is one where one or both partners engage in behaviors that are emotionally and sometimes physically harmful to the other. This can include manipulation, control, verbal abuse, and neglect. These relationships are often characterized by a lack of support, constant conflict, and a sense of being drained rather than uplifted.

A toxic relationship is one that consistently undermines your sense of wellbeing, happiness, and, at times, safety. Occasional disagreements or conflicts are normal in any relationship, but a continual pattern of emotional harm, disrespect, and manipulation can lead to deterioration in mental and emotional health.

 A good leader should have integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, compassion, and resilience. They should be learning agile and flex their influence while communicating the vision, showing gratitude, and collaborating effectively.

There are times when it is important to say no, but the situation and the people involved can make it more challenging. Saying no at work, in relationships, and with friends and family can create conflicting emotions. Finding ways to set boundaries and stick to your resolve can help.

There are a number of reasons why knowing how to say no is so important.

There is a saying that “experience is the best teacher”.

Sometimes in life, we end up in situations we can't change.  It's all about fully accepting reality in situations that are beyond your control. This doesn't mean you approve of the situation, are giving up, or that it isn't painful. You are still allowed to (and should!) feel however you feel, but by accepting that it is what it is, you give the problem less power over you and you can begin to move forward.

Tending to a broken heart requires patience, self-compassion, and actionable steps. And while the path may feel lonely at times, you should never be afraid to seek support. Whether it's through loved ones, professional guidance, or using mindfulness and self-care practices, you can emerge stronger and more self-aware. 

Being betrayed is when someone violates your trust in them. Betrayal can trigger many complex emotions, which can leave you feeling overwhelmed.  You can experience betrayal in relationships or from friends and family. This experience may make you wonder how to deal with betrayal and move forward.

Simple question: do you know who you are I mean do you know what terrifies you, why you do the things you do, and do you know how others perceive you too?

When most people set out to change their lives, they often focus on all the external stuff, like a new job or a new location or new friends or a new romantic prospect and on and on. The reality is that changing your life starts with changing the way you see everything in your life.

At the end of each year, set aside some time to reflect on how it went. It may have been an amazing year or a completely horrible one. What went well and what didn't? What would you like to change about the year?

Forgiving yourself may mean letting go of the feelings and emotions associated with what went wrong. Many find it difficult to learn to forgive themselves because it can be tricky to move on without resolution. It's easy to be our own biggest critic, but it may help to try and extend yourself the same grace as you might to anyone else.

Reflection helps you assess where you have come from and where you are going. You can reflect on life in many ways. By taking a walk down memory lane you can get in touch with who you used to be and allow this information to help you improve. Then, you can create daily and monthly reflection practices that move you closer to making positive changes in your life.

Being the bigger person is about being mature and calm in a difficult situation, and working to find a solution that benefits everyone rather than just focusing on your own desires or winning the argument.

Disappointment is the negative emotion you feel when an outcome doesn't match up to your expectations. Characterised by feelings of sadness, loss, anger and frustration, disappointment is an unavoidable part of life – but it's not always easy to deal with, even if your setback is relatively minor.

Do you dread going to work each day because your boss makes your life miserable? You're not alone. According to a  Gallup survey, half of employees leave their jobs to get away from a bad manager and 41% of American workers say they've been “psychologically harassed” on the job. Working for a toxic boss can, in fact, be extremely stressful and has been proven to lead to many types of health problems. The first step to getting out of a toxic environment is aware of what's happening around you at work. Once you've identified the signs, you can take action to avoid, stop or let someone know about the behavior, and start thriving in your career once more.

Toxic parents verbally and emotionally abuse their children. They impose high expectations and excessive demands and behave in ways that cause their children guilt, fear, or obligation.

In a healthy friendship, both friends tend to respect and support one another mutually. There's an inherent sense of trust within the relationship. In most cases, both people seek to be loving and generous with their time and resources. Toxic friends, however, often present as selfish and challenging. They may struggle with healthy communication and become aggressive, passive-aggressive, or dismissive when they don't get what they want. They may also depend on you for validation and comfort. Everyone has their moments, but toxic friends tend to stir drama and cause problems on a regular basis. If you constantly feel annoyed, disrespected, or guilty when spending time with a certain friend, those feelings may be key indicators of an unhealthy and dynamic friendship.

The term "gaslighting" is a form of psychological manipulation that involves making someone question their own reality, feelings, and experiences of events, in order to maintain control over that person.

Loyalty is the base of any relationship, and other layers of trust, truthfulness, and care are added to the base to make a relationship strong. Very often, we are not sure of these layers and bases of the relationship. Do you think you are the kind of person who will become a cheater in the future? Let's find it out.

What you think is a loving gesture and for the well-being of your partner might actually already be toxic and destructive behavior. This is why reflecting on your behavior can help keep it healthy and happy for both of you. So here are some ways to tell if you're actually being a more toxic girlfriend than you thought.

For a first date, it's safe to assume the person who initiated the date will pay. If you still feel more comfortable offering to pay or going Dutch on the bill, feel free to go for that wallet reach even if you were the one invited out.

A 50/50 split means that each person gives the exact same amount of themselves—fully. Partners base their giving on sameness and equality rather than the needs of the relationship

In short, the time you spend together no longer feels positive. You don't feel supported or encouraged, and you can't trust them to show up for you. Instead, you might get the impression that your needs and interests don't matter, that they only care about what they want.

Come and have some fun....

If you have a toxic boss, you might find yourself feeling a bit trapped...you need the job, but showing up to work is taking a mental toll. You also might want to call them out, but fear the repercussions. Here are some tips to help you walk that line and hopefully get out of a nasty situation.

What do you do when you suspect your partner is reading all your text messages and tracking your location without your consent? Join us as my guest shares her story about her toxic partner who tapped her phone.

My Story! I have a sense of thankfulness that comes from a feeling within, rather than a social norm response to a kind gesture. Being grateful, or having “gratitude” can be directed at not only people you appreciate but things that you feel have been of great assistance in your life.

Relationships are beautiful and awesome, but they can also be really painful when your major triggers come to the surface. Let's see how can we deal with them.

We all fall into a victim mentality from time to time. But some people truly embody their "woes me" persona.

Do you struggle with knowing what to expect out of your partner? Are there times when they respond in a patient, loving way, and other times when they fly off the handle? Do you feel like you have to walk on eggshells when you're around them? If so, it's important to learn how to work on your romantic relationship to maintain your mental health.

To live a remarkable life, it is vital you take consistent action in spite of your fears and doubts.

Have you ever been in a situation where you feel that the person has gaslighted of the situation? Will tune in to find out what is really gaslighting.

My guest shares her story when she realized after being in love with the man of her dreams, she had entered into a toxic relationship.