Latest news with #toxicrelationship
The Sun
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Agonising truth behind Lauren Goodger's ‘toxic' recoupling with Charles Drury – pals say Mark Wright ‘curse' is to blame
Lauren's pals revealed her plans for the future and how she desperately wants to rebuild her happy family WRIGHT GUY Agonising truth behind Lauren Goodger's 'toxic' recoupling with Charles Drury – pals say Mark Wright 'curse' is to blame GIVING the appearance of a happy family jetting off abroad, Lauren Goodger and her ex Charles Drury, along with their three-year-old daughter Larose, looked as though they didn't have a care in the world. But beneath this picture of domestic bliss lies a far more complicated reality, as 38-year-old Towie star Lauren's relationship with Charles has been plagued with hardship, and pals say she's struggling to let go of her "toxic" relationship with him. Advertisement 10 Lauren Goodger and her ex Charles Drury looked as though they had no troubles in the world this month as they wandered through the airport Credit: Raw Image Ltd 10 But Lauren's friends have expressed their concerns about their romantic reconciliation Credit: Instagram 10 Towie's Lauren can't let go of her toxic relationship with ex Charles, pals say Credit: Instagram Despite enjoying family getaways and a lavish spa break together - including a recent £250-a-night trip to Essex's Greenwoods spa gifted by Lauren - she has yet to publicly confirm their rekindled romance. And friends say that while she envisions a future with the 27-year-old builder and even hopes to have another child with him one day, they hold serious reservations about the relationship's stability. Advertisement One pal told The Sun: 'Lauren claims publicly that she and Charles are just co-parenting for Larose. 'But the truth is, she does still have feelings for him and would love nothing more than to have another child with him in the not-too-distant future. 'She isn't putting a label on what their relationship status is, partly because she doesn't want to be judged, but he is more than just her daughter's dad. 'They are closer than they have been in years, and there is still sexual chemistry between them.' Baby plans Plans for a second child come after Lauren's heartbreaking loss of their daughter in July 2022. Advertisement Lauren lost 9lb Lorena minutes after giving birth, despite doctors battling to save her, and the Towie star spent the following precious hours making memories with her. They'd fallen pregnant just three months after welcoming first child Larose in 2021, and Lauren was over the moon to become a mum for the second time before the tragic loss. Lorena, who Lauren described as the "most beautiful healthy baby she'd ever seen", died after her umbilical cord became wrapped around her neck. Lauren Goodger risks wrath of Mark Wright as she says Towie romance 'broke' her On the day of the funeral, Charles was accused of attacking Lauren, and the pair split soon after. Charles was charged with assault and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards Lauren, which he has denied. Advertisement The case was dropped after Lauren withdrew her support for the case, which resulted in a not guilty verdict. The pair hadn't had the most straightforward of relationships and split up several times. Charles was also accused of cheating on Lauren. But a friend of Lauren's says she'd love nothing more than to be a mum again one day, and wants to have her children with the same man. One pal said: 'Ever since she lost Larose's sister Lorena, she has wanted to give her another sibling one day. Advertisement 'Lauren is very traditional in a lot of ways, and wouldn't want children with different men. She'd like all her kids to have the same dad. 'I would put money on the fact that Lauren will have another baby with Charles one day. 'For all his faults, he is the best dad and absolutely dotes on Larose and vice versa. 'Seeing them together melts Lauren's heart, and while she has done the best job being a single mum, deep down she just wants to be a family unit again. It's hard doing it alone.' 10 Lauren and Charles set the rumour mill spinning when they reunited for dinner recently Credit: Instagram Advertisement 10 Lauren and Charles have jetted off on holiday and visited a lavish spa in recent weeks Credit: Raw Image Ltd 10 Lauren wants to have another baby with Charles, pals say Credit: unleashed Pr 'Not the best partner' Despite Lauren's wishes to extend her family with Charles, friends have shared their concerns for the star, saying they aren't sure he's the best man for her. Weighing in on her current situation, one said: "No one can argue that Charles is a brilliant dad and will do anything for Larose, but he's not the best partner in the world. 'The last time they were together, things were really toxic and he was even charged with assaulting her, although he was later cleared. Advertisement 'Even though both of them have moved past that ordeal, Charles can still blow hot and cold with Lauren, and doesn't always treat her with the respect she deserves. 'The problem is, Lauren is often drawn to these guys who give her mixed messages and mess her around.' The friend also believes that part of the reason Lauren is so keen to make things work with Charles, despite their struggles, is that he is one of the few men she has genuinely loved since she split from Mark Wright. 'Lauren has only really loved two men since Mark - Jake McLean, who tragically passed away in July 2022, and Charles,' explains the pal. 'While she moved on from Mark a long time ago, he was her first love and she always compares subsequent relationships to him. Advertisement 'She's happy for Mark that he has found love with his wife Michelle Keegan, but it's bittersweet for her to see Mark embracing fatherhood. 'It doesn't help that she lives very close to Mark still, so could bump into him at any time. She told her mates just the other week that they had a very near miss when they were both at the same shopping centre at the same time.' Lauren doesn't want children with different men, she'd like all her kids to have the same dad Another friend explains: 'It's not that she wishes she was still with Mark in any way, but she still sometimes gets emotional thinking about everything she went through with him - especially as it all played out so publicly.' In her autobiography, Lauren revealed she terminated a child when she was with Mark, and she still thinks about that. Her friend continued to add: 'That baby would have been 18 this year, and that's a milestone that isn't lost on Lauren. Advertisement 'While Lauren knows it wasn't the right time for her to become a mum, she still thinks about what their child would have been like from time to time and how different her life might have been if she and Mark had become parents then, almost 20 years ago. 'Even though she knows they made the right decision, based on where they were at that point in their lives, Lauren still feels emotional about it.' Lauren, 38, and Mark dated for nine years before finding fame on the TV hit show, which led to their romance crumbling one year later. Last year, Lauren opened up on the split on dating expert Paul C. Brunson's podcast. She said: 'I hurt him, he hurt me. We had that chat and I knew I was never going to see him again.' Advertisement Mark was her first love and she always compares subsequent relationships to him Paul then asked: 'Were you still in love with him?' to which Lauren candidly replied: 'Really honest, I don't think that sort of love from childhood goes away. 'Obviously he's moved on with his life, and he's got to respect that and I respect that, but I would love to say, 'Hey, how are you? All good?' 'We don't speak. How can he have been seen chatting to me? If someone took a photo of that or said something, it could cause a lot of trouble, more than what it is.' 10 The pair hadn't had the most straight-forward of relationships and split up several times Credit: Instagram 10 Lauren terminated a pregnancy when she was with Mark and still thinks about it, pals say Credit: Rex Advertisement 10 Mark is now married to wife Michelle Keegan Credit: PA
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
14 Reasons You're Not Crazy, You Were Just Being Emotionally Abused
Emotional abuse can be insidious, leaving you questioning your own reality. It's not as obvious as physical abuse, and it can often masquerade as concern, love, or a desire to "help." But you're not losing your mind—you're just caught in a toxic situation. Let's dive into the signs that reveal you're not crazy; you're a victim of emotional abuse. 1. You Were Forced To Walk On Eggshells You find yourself constantly trying not to upset them, tiptoeing around their moods. Every word is chosen carefully, every action premeditated, to avoid triggering their anger or disappointment. This isn't normal—it's a form of control that keeps you in a state of anxiety. According to Dr. Steven Stosny, a psychologist specializing in this field, walking on eggshells is a common sign of emotional abuse, leaving you in a heightened state of stress. You deserve to live without this constant pressure. In healthy relationships, you should feel free to be yourself without fear of negative repercussions. Your partner or loved one should support you, not leave you dreading their reactions. When you're always anticipating conflict or criticism, it can wear you down and erode your self-esteem. This constant fear isn't simply a phase or something you should "get used to." It's a serious red flag that signals an emotionally abusive dynamic. 2. You Were Accused Of Overreacting When you try to express your emotions, they're brushed aside or belittled. You might hear things like, "You're too sensitive," or "You're overreacting." Over time, you start doubting the validity of your own emotions, wondering if there's something wrong with you. This tactic is called emotional invalidation, and it's designed to make you second-guess yourself. Your feelings are real and deserve to be acknowledged and respected. In healthy relationships, your emotions are given space and consideration. It's not about never disagreeing or having conflicts, but rather about how those conflicts are handled. When you're constantly told that your feelings are irrelevant or exaggerated, it can feel like you're losing touch with reality. Emotional abuse thrives on making you doubt yourself, eroding your confidence little by little. Stand firm in recognizing that your feelings are legitimate and worthy of being heard. 3. You Were Gaslit Daily Gaslighting is a form of manipulation that makes you question your perception of reality. You may hear phrases like, "I never said that," or "You're imagining things." Over time, these denials can leave you feeling confused, anxious, and defensive. According to Robin Stern, Ph.D., co-founder of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, gaslighting can lead to a distorted self-image and a warped sense of reality ("The Gaslight Effect"). Recognizing this behavior is crucial to protecting your mental health. In a supportive relationship, communication is clear and honest, not filled with deceit and misdirection. You deserve conversations that leave you feeling understood and valued, not bewildered and belittled. Gaslighting erodes trust and can lead to feelings of isolation and self-doubt. It's a deliberate tactic to maintain power and control, leaving you questioning your sanity. Remember, trust your instincts, and don't ignore the unsettling feeling that something is amiss. 4. Your Words Were Twisted You find that no matter how clearly you communicate, your words are often turned against you. This twisting of your words can leave you feeling misunderstood and defensive. They might say things like, "That's not what you said," or, "You meant this, not that," leaving you in a constant state of frustration. This isn't just a communication issue; it's a deliberate attempt to undermine your confidence in expressing yourself. You deserve to be heard and understood, not manipulated. Healthy communication involves listening and seeking to understand, not distorting what someone says to make them feel guilty or confused. When your words are consistently twisted, it can lead to self-doubt and a reluctance to speak up. This tactic keeps you on the back foot, unsure of your own intentions or meanings. It's important to recognize this pattern as a form of emotional abuse that aims to destabilize your sense of self. Seek clarity and honesty, and don't let them spin your words into something they're not. 5. You Were Isolated From Loved Ones Isolation can be a key strategy in emotional abuse, cutting you off from friends and family. This separation makes you more reliant on the abuser, giving them more control over your life. You might start noticing that they discourage your relationships or make you feel guilty about wanting to spend time with others. A study published in the "Journal of Family Psychology" highlights how isolation can intensify emotional abuse by creating a dependency on the abuser. Don't let them cage you in; your connections are vital for your well-being. In healthy relationships, partners encourage your friendships and support your independence. Social connections are essential, providing you with a broader perspective and emotional support. When someone tries to isolate you, it's often a tactic to remove those supports, making you more susceptible to their influence. Recognize this pattern as a method of control aimed at weakening your social network. Stay connected, and don't let anyone sever the ties that keep you grounded. 6. You Were Made To Feel Guilty Guilt becomes a tool they wield to manipulate your behavior and decisions. You find yourself agreeing to things or apologizing even when you know you've done nothing wrong. This constant guilt-tripping makes you question your actions and motives, keeping you in a state of submission. Emotional abusers often use guilt to maintain power, making you feel responsible for their happiness or anger. Remember, you are not responsible for their emotions or actions. In a healthy relationship, decisions are made together, without a cloud of guilt hanging over every interaction. You shouldn't feel forced into actions or choices out of fear of displeasing them. This kind of manipulation can lead to a cycle of dependency, where you constantly seek their approval. It's a tactic that traps you, making you feel inadequate and perpetually in the wrong. Stand firm in your right to make decisions free from emotional coercion. 7. You Were Told You Were To Blame The tables are constantly turned, and somehow you end up feeling like the one who's caused the problem. Every disagreement ends with them painting themselves as the victim, regardless of the situation. You might hear them say, "Look what you made me do," or "You always blame me." According to Dr. Jennifer Freyd, a psychology professor at the University of Oregon, this tactic is a form of betrayal trauma, manipulating your emotions to serve their narrative. This tactic shifts blame, making you doubt your role and perception of events. In supportive relationships, accountability is shared, and both parties take responsibility for their actions. Constant victim-playing by the abuser deflects responsibility and keeps you in a cycle of guilt and apology. This behavior is manipulative, keeping you focused on their needs and away from addressing the real issues at hand. It creates a false narrative that leaves you questioning your own actions and intentions. Recognize this pattern as a way to deflect criticism and avoid accountability, and hold firm to your truth. 8. Your Achievements Were Dissed Every accomplishment you achieve is met with indifference or dismissiveness. Instead of celebrating your successes, they might downplay your achievements or suggest that they aren't a big deal. This lack of recognition can sap your motivation and leave you questioning your worth. When someone minimizes your successes, it's a tactic to keep you from feeling too confident or independent. Remember, your achievements are valid and deserve recognition. In a healthy relationship, your partner or loved ones support and celebrate your accomplishments with genuine happiness. Your successes should be a source of pride, not a threat to their ego. When someone consistently minimizes what you've achieved, it's an attempt to keep you from realizing your full potential. This behavior is about control, ensuring you remain dependent and unsure of yourself. Hold onto your pride in your achievements and seek validation from those who genuinely support you. 9. You Were Forced To Endure Silence As Punishment The silent treatment becomes a common weapon in their arsenal, leaving you feeling isolated and anxious. This deliberate withdrawal of communication is a form of emotional manipulation, meant to punish and control you. Instead of addressing issues, they choose silence, which can feel more painful than words. The silent treatment is a tactic to make you feel insecure and desperate for their attention. Don't let this method of control make you doubt your worth or your right to be heard. In healthy relationships, conflicts are resolved through open communication, not by shutting down and freezing out the other person. Silence should be a space for reflection, not a tool for punishment. When someone uses silence against you, it's designed to make you feel powerless and anxious. This behavior is about maintaining control, ensuring you remain on edge and eager to appease them. Remember, you deserve communication and resolution, not emotional games and manipulation. 10. You Were Relentlessly Criticized Relentless criticism becomes a norm, chipping away at your self-esteem and confidence. No matter what you do, it's never enough, and every action is scrutinized. This constant criticism isn't about improving you; it's about controlling you by making you feel inadequate. When someone is hypercritical, they're often projecting their own insecurities onto you. Someone else's harsh words shouldn't dictate your self-worth. In healthy relationships, feedback is given with kindness and the intent to support, not belittle. Constructive criticism should help you grow, not make you doubt your every move. When criticism is constant and harsh, it becomes damaging, leaving you feeling unworthy and unsure. It's a tactic to keep you dependent, ensuring you never feel good enough without their approval. Trust your judgment and recognize the difference between constructive feedback and destructive criticism. 11. You Were Made To Doubt Your Sanity Through a series of manipulations and lies, they leave you questioning your own mental state. You might feel forgetful, confused, or like you're losing control of your mind. This is another form of gaslighting, aimed at keeping you off-balance and reliant on them for reality checks. When you're constantly questioning your own sanity, it's a sign that something is deeply wrong. Your mind is not the problem; the manipulation is. In a healthy relationship, your mental health is supported and nurtured, not undermined. You should feel stable and secure, not constantly questioning your grasp on reality. This kind of psychological manipulation is designed to keep you vulnerable and dependent. It's a calculated tactic to control you by making you feel incapable and unstable. Trust in your reality and seek support from those who reinforce your sanity, not those who undermine it. 12. You Felt Responsible For Their Emotions You find yourself constantly trying to manage their moods and emotions, feeling like you're walking through a minefield. Their happiness seems to depend entirely on your actions, and you're left feeling exhausted and burdened. This responsibility for their emotions is unfair and manipulative, keeping you in a state of constant vigilance. You are not their emotional caretaker; they need to take responsibility for their own feelings. Emotional health in a relationship should be a shared responsibility, not a one-person job. In a healthy relationship, both partners manage their emotions independently, supporting each other without undue burden. Emotional manipulation involves making you feel like you have to monitor and adjust to their moods constantly. This kind of dependency is draining and unsustainable, leaving you feeling trapped and overwhelmed. Recognize that their emotions are their responsibility, not yours. Stand firm in your boundaries and prioritize your emotional well-being. 13. You Were Threatened Emotionally Threats become a common method to control your actions and decisions. These threats might be subtle, like hinting that they'll leave you or implying you'll lose their love. Emotional threats create a climate of fear and insecurity, ensuring you comply with their wishes. You shouldn't feel scared or coerced into doing things against your will. Emotional threats are a clear sign of an abusive relationship, not loving behavior. In a healthy relationship, actions are based on mutual respect and understanding, not fear of repercussions. Love should never come with strings attached or threats of withdrawal. When someone uses emotional threats, it's about maintaining power and control, not fostering a nurturing environment. Recognize this behavior as a tactic to keep you in line, not a reflection of your worth. You deserve love and respect without the looming threat of emotional blackmail. 14. Your Entire Life And Memory Was Controlled They rewrite your story, making you doubt your experience and memory. Each event becomes distorted in its retelling, leaving you unsure of your own perspective. This control over your narrative is a form of domination, ensuring their version of events is the only one that matters. You should have control over your own story, not be subject to their manipulations. Your experiences are valid and deserve acknowledgment and respect. In healthy relationships, each person's perspective is heard and valued equally. Your voice should be just as important as theirs, with space for mutual storytelling. When one person controls the narrative, it silences your truth and leaves you feeling marginalized. This behavior isn't love or concern; it's about ensuring you remain under their influence. Reclaim your voice and your narrative, and seek relationships where your truth is not only heard but valued.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Why Holding Onto A Bad Marriage Is Hurting You More Than You Realize
Holding onto a bad marriage can feel like clinging to a life raft, but sometimes it might be the very thing pulling you under. It's easy to become attached to the comfort of familiarity, even when it no longer serves your happiness or well-being. Here's why maintaining a struggling marriage might be doing more harm than you realize. Being in a toxic or unhappy marriage can chip away at your sense of self-worth. When you're constantly exposed to criticism, neglect, or emotional distance, it's hard not to internalize these negative experiences. According to Dr. Lisa Firestone, a clinical psychologist and author, unhealthy relationships can severely impact your self-esteem over time, leaving you feeling unworthy or inadequate. This erosion of confidence can spill over into other areas of your life, affecting your career, friendships, and overall sense of fulfillment. You might find yourself questioning your own judgment and capabilities, doubting whether you're lovable or deserving of respect. This diminished sense of self can prevent you from pursuing opportunities or setting boundaries, trapping you further in a cycle of dissatisfaction. As your self-esteem wanes, so does your motivation to make positive changes, keeping you stuck in an unfulfilling situation. Recognizing these patterns is the first step towards reclaiming your self-worth and considering healthier paths forward. Marriage should be a partnership that encourages and supports individual growth, but a bad marriage often does the opposite. You might find yourself feeling stuck, unable to pursue personal goals or interests due to the constraints of an unsupportive relationship. This stagnation can lead to frustration and resentment, both towards your partner and yourself for not pursuing your aspirations. Over time, the lack of personal development can leave you feeling unfulfilled and regretting missed opportunities. Being in a marriage that doesn't nurture growth can also inhibit your ability to develop new skills or explore different life paths. You might feel obligated to prioritize your partner's needs or the relationship's stability over your own ambitions. This can create a sense of dependency, where you feel unable to make changes or take risks without your partner's approval. Breaking free from these limitations is essential for personal evolution and achieving a more satisfying life. The stress of being in a bad marriage doesn't just take a toll on your mental health; it can also impact your physical well-being. Chronic stress from constant conflict or emotional strain can lead to a host of health issues, including heart disease, weakened immune function, and even increased risk of chronic conditions. Research published in the journal Health Psychology found that marital stress is linked to negative physical health outcomes, highlighting the profound connection between emotional and physical health. Over time, the accumulated stress can manifest in physical symptoms that affect your daily life and overall longevity. When your body is under constant stress, it can be challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You might find it difficult to sleep well, eat properly, or find the energy for regular physical activity. As your health deteriorates, it becomes even harder to break free from the cycle of stress and decline. Recognizing the physical impact of a bad marriage is critical in understanding the full scope of how it's affecting your life and why taking steps toward change is crucial. If you have kids, staying in a bad marriage might have unintended consequences on their development and perception of relationships. Children often learn by observing their parents, and witnessing an unhappy or dysfunctional marriage can shape their beliefs about love and partnership. They might internalize unhealthy dynamics as normal or acceptable, potentially perpetuating these patterns in their own future relationships. As a parent, it's important to consider the long-term impact your marriage may have on your children's emotional and relational well-being. Moreover, an unhappy home environment can affect your children's psychological health, leading to issues such as anxiety, depression, or behavioral problems. Living in a tense or hostile setting can create a sense of insecurity and instability, which can affect their academic performance and social interactions. Children thrive in positive, supportive environments, and seeing their parents in a loving relationship can provide a healthy model for their future. Taking steps to improve or exit a bad marriage can help create a more positive and nurturing environment for your children. An unhappy marriage often leads to emotional turmoil, leaving you feeling drained, anxious, or depressed. When you're consistently exposed to negativity or emotional neglect, it can be challenging to maintain a healthy emotional state. Dr. John Gottman, a leading relationship researcher, emphasizes that emotional disengagement in marriage can lead to loneliness and sadness, which can quickly spiral into depression. Recognizing how your marriage affects your emotional well-being is crucial in understanding why change might be necessary. The emotional toll of a bad marriage can also cloud your judgment and make it difficult to make clear, rational decisions about your future. You might find yourself overwhelmed by feelings of hopelessness or trapped by fear of the unknown. These emotional barriers can prevent you from seeking help or exploring other options, keeping you stuck in an unhappy cycle. Understanding the impact on your emotional health can empower you to take control and consider the potential benefits of making a change. Being in a bad marriage can often lead to social isolation, whether due to your partner's influence or your own emotional state. You might find yourself withdrawing from friends and family, either because you feel embarrassed about your relationship or because your partner discourages outside connections. This isolation can lead to a loss of social support, leaving you feeling lonely and disconnected. Maintaining a strong network of friends and family is crucial for emotional health, and a bad marriage can severely hinder this. Moreover, a lack of social engagement can further entrench feelings of dependency on your partner, making it even harder to break free. You might start to believe that your partner is the only person you can rely on, despite the relationship's negative aspects. This can create a cycle of loneliness where you become increasingly disconnected from the world around you. Rebuilding your social connections can provide a support system that encourages you to make positive changes in your life. A bad marriage can have significant financial consequences, draining resources and creating additional stress. Constant conflict or poor communication about money can lead to financial instability or poor financial decisions. A study conducted by Jeffrey Dew and published in the Journal of Marriage and Family found that financial disagreements are a strong predictor of divorce, highlighting the impact of money issues on marital stability. Financial strain can further exacerbate marital problems, creating a vicious cycle that impacts both your wallet and your well-being. Additionally, staying in a bad marriage out of financial dependency can prevent you from achieving financial independence or pursuing career opportunities. You might feel trapped by the fear of losing financial security, even when the relationship is detrimental to your happiness. Breaking free from this cycle requires careful financial planning and may involve seeking professional advice to understand your options. Addressing the financial aspects of your marriage can provide clarity and motivation to consider changes that benefit your long-term well-being. When you're in a bad marriage, it's tempting to look for ways to escape the emotional pain, sometimes through unhealthy coping mechanisms. You might turn to substances, such as alcohol or drugs, to numb the discomfort or distract yourself from the reality of your situation. These temporary fixes can quickly become destructive habits that further complicate your life and strain your relationship. Recognizing these patterns is important for understanding the full impact of your marriage on your well-being. Unhealthy coping strategies can also include behaviors like emotionally withdrawing, avoiding confrontation, or engaging in affairs. While these might provide short-term relief, they often lead to long-term consequences that can deepen the issues within the marriage. Instead of addressing the root causes, these actions can create additional problems or feelings of guilt and shame. Finding healthier ways to cope, such as seeking therapy or support groups, can help you process your struggles and make informed decisions about your future. A bad marriage can create a fear of change, making you hesitant to take steps toward a different future. The comfort of the familiar, even when it's unpleasant, can seem less daunting than the uncertainty of the unknown. This fear can paralyze you, preventing you from exploring new possibilities or considering the benefits of leaving an unhappy situation. Understanding the roots of this fear is essential to overcoming it and contemplating a more positive path forward. Fear of change often stems from self-doubt or a lack of confidence in your ability to navigate life independently. You might worry about how you'll cope with the practical and emotional challenges of starting anew. This apprehension can keep you stuck, clinging to a relationship that's no longer serving you. By acknowledging these fears and seeking support to address them, you can begin to view change as an opportunity rather than a threat. A bad marriage can significantly impact your overall quality of life, affecting various aspects of your day-to-day experiences. The constant stress, conflict, or discontent can make it difficult to find joy in everyday moments or pursue activities that bring you happiness. When your relationship is a source of discomfort, it can overshadow other positive aspects of your life, leaving you feeling unfulfilled. Recognizing this impact is crucial in evaluating whether the marriage is truly worth holding onto. The effects of an unhappy marriage can ripple out into your work life, friendships, and personal achievements, preventing you from thriving. You might find yourself less motivated or excited about opportunities, affecting your ability to reach your full potential. Over time, this can erode your sense of purpose and satisfaction, making it harder to find meaning in your experiences. Understanding the broader impact on your quality of life can help you assess whether it's time for a change. In a bad marriage, communication often breaks down, leading to misunderstandings and unresolved conflict. Without open and honest dialogue, it's challenging to address the issues in the relationship or find common ground. This lack of communication can breed resentment and frustration, further deepening the divide between partners. Effective communication is key to any healthy relationship, and without it, the marriage is likely to continue deteriorating. Poor communication can also prevent you from expressing your needs or feelings, leaving you feeling unheard and unimportant. This can create a sense of isolation, where you feel like you're navigating the marriage alone. Without the ability to communicate effectively, it's challenging to build a sense of partnership or work through challenges together. Improving communication skills or seeking professional help can be important steps in evaluating whether the marriage can be salvaged. In a bad marriage, you might find yourself becoming overly dependent on your partner, whether emotionally, financially, or logistically. This dependency can create an imbalance of power, making it difficult to assert your needs or make decisions independently. Over time, this can erode your sense of autonomy and self-reliance, leaving you feeling trapped. Recognizing this dynamic is crucial in understanding the full impact of the marriage on your sense of self. Dependency can also limit your ability to grow and explore new opportunities, as you might feel constrained by your partner's expectations or needs. You might find yourself avoiding new experiences or challenges, fearing how they might impact the relationship. This can create a sense of stagnation, where you feel unable to pursue your own goals or priorities. Addressing dependency issues is essential for reclaiming your independence and considering healthier paths forward. A bad marriage can often create a cycle of negativity, where unresolved issues and conflicts continue to resurface. Without the tools or willingness to address these problems, the relationship can become a breeding ground for resentment and hostility. This cycle can become self-perpetuating, with each argument or disagreement adding fuel to the fire. Recognizing this pattern is key to understanding the dynamics at play and why it might be time for a change. The cycle of negativity can also impact your overall outlook on life, making it harder to maintain a positive mindset. You might find yourself becoming increasingly pessimistic or cynical, affecting your relationships with others and your ability to enjoy life. This can create a ripple effect, where the negativity in your marriage spills over into other areas of your life. Breaking free from this cycle requires a conscious effort to address underlying issues and consider whether the marriage is truly worth salvaging. Staying in a bad marriage often means settling for less than you deserve in terms of love, respect, and happiness. You might find yourself accepting behavior or treatment that falls short of your values or expectations. This can create a sense of resignation, where you start to believe that this is the best you can hope for in a relationship. Recognizing that you deserve more is an important step in evaluating whether the marriage is worth holding onto. Settling for less can also impact your self-worth, reinforcing the belief that you're unworthy of a fulfilling and loving partnership. This mindset can prevent you from pursuing healthier relationships or seeking the happiness you deserve. Breaking away from this mentality requires acknowledging your value and setting higher standards for the relationships in your life. Understanding that you deserve more can empower you to make changes that align with your true needs and desires. Ultimately, staying in a bad marriage limits your potential for true happiness and fulfillment. The constant stress, conflict, or dissatisfaction can overshadow the joys and opportunities in your life. You might find yourself unable to fully appreciate or enjoy the positive aspects of your life due to the cloud of an unhappy marriage. Recognizing this impact is crucial in considering whether the relationship is truly worth maintaining. Limiting your potential for happiness also means denying yourself the opportunity to experience a partnership that uplifts and supports you. You deserve to be in a relationship that brings out the best in you and allows you to thrive. By staying in a bad marriage, you might be closing yourself off to the possibility of a more fulfilling and rewarding future. Understanding this can motivate you to take steps toward a life that truly aligns with your desires and aspirations.
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Denise Richards' daughter Sami Sheen talks 'toxic' relationships... one day before mom's divorce news
Sami Sheen doled out tips for dealing with a toxic partner just one day before stepdad Aaron Phypers filed for divorce from her mom Denise Richards. The 21-year-old influencer told her followers: 'If you're dating someone toxic, but you don't really know if they're toxic... You need to ask yourself: if you had a daughter and she was dating a man like this, what would you tell her?' 'And then, boom. You're like, "OK, I would tell her to breakup with him, block him, move on, like he's a piece of s***, treats her like s***." I don't know, that works for me because sometimes it's so easy for me to overlook everything. But if I'm imagining having a kid and she's getting treated like this, absolutely the f*** not.' She continued: 'Picturing someone else in your exact situation, and if they came to you being like, "Hey, my boyfriend is doing x, y and z to me. I need your advice," you need to tell them what to do and then there's your answer. 'I understand more than anyone [that] it is so hard and almost feels impossible sometimes to get out of a toxic relationship and the judgement from people when you keep going back to that person. 'It's a whole cycle. So I understand it's not easy but this is just a tip to kind of help you have a clear head a little bit.' She wrote across the video snippet: 'My advice on how to remove the rose colored glasses in a toxic relationship.' Phypers, 52, filed for divorce on Monday, after six years of marriage. He listed the date of separation from the 54-year-old Real Housewives of Beverly Hills veteran as July 4. The actor cited 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for the breakup, and he is requesting spousal support. The estranged couple appear together on the reality TV series Denise Richards & Her Wild Things, along with her daughters Sami, Lola, 19, and Eloise, 13. Denise showed no signs of marital trouble as she posed in a sexy swimsuit in Fourth of July photos shared on Instagram. The last time she posted an image with her husband was in April, and their most recent red carpet appearance was in May. Phypers and Richards began dating in 2017, got engaged in January 2018, and tied the knot that September. Their Malibu wedding ceremony was filmed for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. The actress was previously married to Charlie Sheen from 2002 to 2006.
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Denise Richards' daughter Sami Sheen talked 'toxic' relationships... one day before mom's divorce news
Sami Sheen doled out tips for dealing with a toxic partner just one day before stepdad Aaron Phypers filed for divorce from her mom Denise Richards. Engaging her 189,000 TikTok followers, the 21-year-old influencer advised, 'If you're dating someone toxic, but you don't really know if they're toxic... You need to ask yourself: if you had a daughter and she was dating a man like this, what would you tell her?' She added, 'And then, boom. You're like, "OK, I would tell her to breakup with him, block him, move on, like he's a piece of s***, treats her like s***." I don't know, that works for me because sometimes it's so easy for me to overlook everything. But if I'm imagining having a kid and she's getting treated like this, absolutely the f*** not.' The OnlyFans creator described herself as a 'motherly person' with a desire to have children, noting that's why the exercise works for her. She suggested that others could replace the daughter in the scenario with a friend or mother. Engaging her 189,000 TikTok followers, the 21-year-old influencer advised, 'If you're dating someone toxic, but you don't really know if they're toxic... You need to ask yourself: if you had a daughter and she was dating a man like this, what would you tell her?' Sheen's monologue continued, 'Picturing someone else in your exact situation, and if they came to you being like, "Hey, my boyfriend is doing x, y and z to me. I need your advice," you need to tell them what to do and then there's your answer.' She emphasized, 'I understand more than anyone [that] it is so hard and almost feels impossible sometimes to get out of a toxic relationship and the judgement from people when you keep going back to that person. 'It's a whole cycle. So I understand it's not easy but this is just a tip to kind of help you have a clear head a little bit.' She wrote across the video snippet: 'My advice on how to remove the rose colored glasses in a toxic relationship.' Phypers, 52, filed for divorce on Monday, July 7 after six years of marriage. He listed the date of separation from the 54-year-old Real Housewives of Beverly Hills veteran as July 4. The actor cited 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for the breakup, and he is requesting spousal support. The estranged couple appear together on the reality TV series Denise Richards & Her Wild Things, along with her daughters Sami, Lola, 19, and Eloise, 13. Denise showed no signs of marital trouble as she posed in a sexy swimsuit in 4th of July photos shared on Instagram. The last time she posted an image with her husband was in April, and their most recent red carpet appearance was in May. Phypers and Richards began dating in 2017, got engaged in January 2018, and tied the knot that September. Their Malibu wedding ceremony was filmed for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. The actress was previously married to Charlie Sheen from 2002 to 2006.
