If you’re like most people contemplating divorce, you might feel like you’re trapped in a toxic relationship.

The term toxic relationship was coined in 1995 by Dr. Lillian Glass, and if you’re in one, your marriage is a relationship in which:

• You don’t support each other
• There’s conflict
• One spouse tries to undermine the other
• There’s unhealthy competition
• There’s disrespect
• There’s a lack of cohesiveness

But how can you actually tell if you’re in a toxic relationship?

These are five signs that you’re in a toxic marriage – and if you recognize them, it may be time to talk to a Stockton divorce attorney for the sake of your own mental health.

5 Signs You’re in a Toxic Marriage

All toxic marriages present differently; what’s toxic for you might not be so bad for your best friend or your mom. However, these five signs can tell you that it’s time to weigh your options… including divorce:

• Persistent unhappiness
• Feeling like you can’t connect with your partner
• You constantly find fault with each other
• You fantasize about striking out on your own
• Family or friends express concerns

Persistent Unhappiness

If you’re always unhappy about your relationship, why are you still in it? When the joy in a marriage is replaced by sadness, anger, anxiety or resignation, it may be time to talk to an attorney about your options.

Feeling Like You Can’t Connect With Your Partner

When communication has fizzled out and you don’t think it’s going to come back, or when you feel like you can’t voice your concerns to your partner because he or she has “checked out,” you may be on the road to divorce.

You Constantly Find Fault With Each Other

Everyone can find fault with others if they look hard enough – but if finding fault is a way of life in your house, that’s bad news. When you and your spouse become overly critical of one another, or when you resort to personal attacks when you argue, you might need to think objectively about your future together.

You Fantasize About Striking Out On Your Own

It’s normal for an overworked mom or a busy dad to think about how much easier things would be if there weren’t any family ties binding them down, but when it becomes your “go-to” fantasy world, it’s a sign that there’s something really wrong in your relationship. If you’ve made serious plans to leave, you should talk to an attorney – don’t move out of your marital home (or throw out your partner) without consulting a lawyer first.

Family or Friends Express Concerns

Like most other things that are bad for us, we’re usually the last ones to know that we’re in a toxic marriage. If your friends and family begin expressing concerns, it’s a sign that you’ve normalized an unhealthy relationship.

Do You Need to Talk to a Divorce Lawyer?

If you’re thinking about getting a divorce, it’s a good idea to consult with an attorney and learn about your options.

We can answer your questions about whether you’ll be required to pay or entitled to receive spousal support, how to figure out child custody and the division of property, and any other questions you may have. We may also be able to refer you to a therapist focusing on divorce issues and toxic relationships.

Call us at (209) 546-6246 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with an attorney. We may be able to help you.