Do you have a friend who’s in a toxic relationship and you’re looking for ways to help him or her? You’re not alone. In this article, you’re going to see ways of helping someone in a toxic relationship.
According to a report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 20 people suffer physical abuse per minute by their partner in the United States. This shows that toxic relationships are all too common.
Everyone wants to be in a happy relationship. No one wants to be in a toxic relationship. They want their partner to love them, care for them, and support them. Sometimes things get out of hand when someone ends up in a toxic relationship. Most of the time, these people become helpless and afraid, and they don’t know what to do.
These 10 ways can help you be a source of support for a friend who’s in a toxic relationship.
1. Let them tell their story
The best thing someone going through a relationship issue needs is a listener. They need someone that will pay attention while they tell their story. A toxic relationship can leave clogs of terrible memories in people. To have a chance to heal, they need to get everything out of their system.
As a friend, you will need to play this role by giving them the chance to tell their story while you listen. Bad relationships often lead to poor health. That means their health and happiness might depend on you. Take responsibility and understand the situation by listening.
2. Share your experience with your friend
If you’re wondering how to help a friend in a toxic relationship, the answer is sharing your experience. Your friend needs this experience to compare with theirs and make important decisions. When people know other people may be going through what they are, it gives some signs of relief.
Create an environment where your friend can relate with. Never hold any important information back or lie to them. Let them have an idea of how to overcome their challenges by examining your story.
3. Avoid severe judgments
Judging and pointing accusing fingers is the last thing your friend needs at this moment. Close friends are guilty of trying to express their wisdom with ‘I told you so.’ Avoid severe judgment when dealing with someone in a toxic relationship.
Remember, they have been through a lot, both physical, mental, and emotional, and they need a break from judgments. Even if they put themselves in that situation, there is a way to point that out without judgment.
4. Respect the fact that they has to make their mistakes
We all make mistakes one way or the other in our lives. Your friend in a bad relationship is making or just made theirs. Don’t let it seems as if they are the worst in the world. Making mistakes sometimes help people grow and improve in their lives.
It will be best to help your friend understand how making a mistake is not the end of the world. Encourage them to snap out of their regret and pit up the pieces. Life gives the opportunity to people who are ready to fight and win.
5. Communicate solutions gently with your friend
Solutions are important when it comes to how to help a friend in a toxic relationship. But many people might end up finding it hard to communicate solutions in gentle ways. Don’t be one of these people. At the moment, your friend needs you more than anything in the world.
Further, they need someone who can understand their condition and act. Your job is to help them scale through the hurdles with less pain and stress. Be the hero they desire and the angel that lifts their soul. Help them find a way out of their misery in the most effective way possible.
6. Tell them you’ll be there for them
People in a toxic relationship often feel lonely and depressed. You can make a difference by reassuring them you will be there for them in times of trouble. Your confessions of hope will improve their personal confidence and boost their morale. They know that whatever happens, there is someone they can call for support.
Giving them such hope will not only help them get through but overcome at the end. Help your friend built trust and gain the energy to get at the top of their situation.
7. Don’t tell them to quit
You’re going to get immense pressure to tell your friend to quit. But you won’t do that because it’s not the best thing to do. Even if they want to quit, that should be their decision. You may bring it up as a mild suggestion and nothing more than that. Every relationship has the uniqueness that will define it.
8. Let your friend know your honest opinion
Learn how to help a friend in a toxic relationship by letting them know your honest opinion. Telling half-truths and creating myths is not going to do any good. Your honesty is one of the top few things that will help see them through right now.
People going through relationship issues suffer a lot of emotional damage. They can’t think well and will most likely find it hard to make a proper decision. When you tell them your sincere opinion, you already helped them in several ways.
9. Help them build their self-image
Your friend is going to have a lot of issues with their self-image and personality. Because of what they’ve been through, they will begin to think of themselves as low. You will need to make a conscious effort to help them become better. Find the best ways to build their self-image and confidence. You may need to encourage them to go out more, meet, and have conversations with people.
Exercising can also help a lot to push out some of those feel-good hormones. Ask for their help and allow them to see you through. You can also work with them so that both of you can help someone in need. The feeling of providing solutions to other people’s problems will do them a lot of good.
10. Always check in on your friend
Never leave your friend alone at this time. People in toxic relationships develop depression, anxiety, and stress. By checking in on them, you show them that they’re not alone. It will also help them have the hope that things will be better no matter their condition.
Learn how to help a friend in a toxic relationship by being caring. Give your time and space for them, and show them that they can depend on you. Let them feel happiness whenever they see you. There is nothing greater than a good friend in times of trouble.
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