Relationships That Are Toxic

The Slow Poison You Didn’t See Coming

Relationships that are toxic don’t always start off looking that way. Some seem perfect until they slowly turn into a ticking time bomb. Welcome to the world of toxic relationships, where the poison seeps in before you even notice, quietly dismantling your sense of self and well-being until you’re left wondering how you ever got to this point.

The Honeymoon from Hell

When I first met my ex-wife, she was everything I thought I wanted. She was attractive, and we seemed to have a lot in common. We clicked right away, and I didn’t see any signs of control or manipulation early on, not that I was looking for any of that. But like many relationships that are toxic, the charm and connection were just the bait, hiding the slow, creeping danger that would only reveal itself over time.

In relationships that are toxic, the beginning often feels like a dream come true. Those early days were filled with laughter and connection. She made me feel like I was the only person in the world. But the problem with dreams is that you eventually have to wake up. The signs of toxicity were there, but they were buried beneath layers of what seemed like genuine affection. I didn’t notice them at first—who would, when everything seems so perfect?

The Poison Takes Hold

As time passed, those early moments of connection became overshadowed by a different reality. But I was too caught up in life, too bus…