Contrary to general belief, healthy relationships do not have a set image or guide of what they should look or be like. On the contrary, a healthy relationship should be very individual since it is what makes a relationship thrive specifically for the needs of the people in it.
The Relationship Spectrum
What is a toxic relationship?
While every relationship can go through ups and downs, what differentiates that from a toxic relationship is the consistency in which it happens and the effects of it. Any relationship in which people don't support each other, compete with each other rather than uplifting each other, where there is disrespect and little to no regard for the partner's feelings, that relationship is TOXIC.
Warning signs of a toxic relationship
Any form of violence, abuse, or harassment is a red flag and should be dealt with immediately. Nonetheless, in most relationships, the signs are more subtle and tend to be hidden which makes it easier for them to go by without being noticed. The main things to consider as warning signs are a persistent unhappiness, changes in personality, lowering of self-esteem, and negative changes in mental health.