But with outside help - from friends, family, a therapist, or hotline - it will be possible to do so. A toxic partner certainly isn't going to agree they're being toxic, and they aren't going to be easy to break up with, either. Remember, though, that emotionally abusive relationships are complex, Sundet says, and often difficult to leave. See if it's possible to have a discussion in order to work on improving your relationship. The moment one of their comments stands out as 'strange,' approach your partner and mention that 'you've noticed behaviors that you're concerned with,' Isolde Sundet, M.A., LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor, tells Bustle. But if you keep an eye out for red flags - including the types of things toxic partners say that often point to underlying character flaws - you can start deciding if the relationship is truly working for you. If your partner is trying to control or manipulate you, it can create an atmosphere where even the biggest deal-breakers in a relationship suddenly seem normal.
And this is especially true in emotionally abusive situations.
While you might think it'd be easy to spot the signs it's time to break up with someone, it isn't always crystal clear.
