Effective communication is the foundation of any successful relationship. How to improve communication includes learning active listening, learning to use I Statements, and asking open-ended questions. It also includes realizing the importance of clarity and of nonverbal communication.

Perhaps you notice that there is an established or emerging pattern in your relationship(s). You might have noticed it in someone else’s relationship. Here are some toxic relationship patterns to help you pinpoint or name what you struggle to put words. While these are not definable mental health disorders, they can help us identify unhelpful or toxic patterns that need to be corrected or stopped. Also, someone may have more than one toxic trait.