201+ Toxic Relationship Quotes For You To Free Yourself

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You start your relationship with the hope of long-lasting love and companionship. However, things may take an ugly turn, and your relationship can get toxic. If you are struggling in such a situation, looking through some toxic relationship quotes may help you get a better perspective.

Relationships are not always roses and fairytales, as you may see in the movies. It can get hard and ruin your self-esteem. If you are in such a dysfunctional relationship, it is better to end it and prioritize your mental well-being. Many people stay in a toxic relationship hoping things will get better in the future. However, it usually only worsens, and you continue to suffer in the relationship.

In this post, we have combined several quotes about toxic relationships to give you the courage to walk away from a toxic relationship.

Toxic Relationship Quotes

It is not easy to get out of any relationship. But then, it is also true that you have to get over it and move on from anything bad for you. Reading quotes can offer comfort and guide you on how to heal from a toxic relationship and regain control of your life. Quotes about toxic relationships can serve as powerful reflections on personal experiences and paths to healing. They encapsulate the struggles individuals face, provide comfort, and inspire strength in overcoming adversity. They aim to feel the weight of toxic relationships and encourage them to reclaim their emotional well-being.

Mikhail Alfon, a blogger, shares how deeply he connected with one quote. He says, “This week I found this quote from Jay Shetty that read ‘Don’t let your loneliness make you reconnect with toxic people. You shouldn’t drink poison just because you’re thirsty’. Man, that hits hard. And it’s true!… It’s tough, I’ve had to end some of my oldest friendships, and I’ve even drawn very hard lines with my immediate family- and it was not easy at all. It was some of the hardest things I’ve ever done and it took a lot of time to get there. But what was important to me was my health and my happiness, and I needed to take a stand for it and I believe that everyone should (i).”

1. “No partner in a love relationship… should feel that he has to give up an essential part of himself to make it viable.” – May Sarton
2. “You should not stay in a relationship that makes you feel like you’re inadequate or not good enough.”
3. “It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
4. “No relationship should require you to change who you are. You are a beautiful and unique soul and should not have to change to suit anyone’s requirements.”
5. “It’s better to be healthy alone than sick with someone else.” – Phil McGraw
6. “God will keep sending you the same type of people in different bodies until you learn your lesson.”
7. “I mean, if the relationship can’t survive the long term, why on earth would it be worth my time and energy for the short term.” – Nicholas Sparks
8. “Lack of communication can spell the demise of any relationship.”
9. “The hottest love has the coldest end.” – Socrates
10. “Sometimes your heart needs more time to accept what your mind already knows.”
11. “Second chances are a myth. If you were not good enough for them the first time, do not give them another chance to hurt you.”
12. “The one who loves the least, controls the relationship.” – Robert Anthony
13. “In a relationship, give it your best shot but never give the other person the opportunity to hurt you. Sometimes they treat us badly because we give them that option.”
14. “A relationship without trust is like a car without gas, you can stay in it all you want, but it won’t go anywhere.” – Michael J Herbert
    
15. “You can only clap with two hands. If a relationship is not working, introspect to see where you may have been at fault.”
16. “Love cannot live where there is no trust.” – Edith Hamilton
17. “Trust must be earned and not given away freely at the sight of pretty gifts and beautiful words.”
18. “The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too.” – Ernest Hemingway
19. “Never trust anyone blindly, make sure they have had ample time and opportunities to earn your trust.”

20. “A bad relationship is like standing on broken glass, if you stay you will keep hurting. If you walk away, you will hurt but eventually you will heal.” – Autumn Kohler
21.  “Before diving into a committed relationship, take your time to assess the person you want to invite into your life.”
22. “A bad relationship will make you feel more alone than when you were single.”
23. “The way a person handles altercations and arguments tells tons about their character.”
24. “Let go of those who are already gone.”
25. “People often let slip their honest opinion of you when they are angry. If they choose a time of conflict to be mean to you, understand that they may not be the one for you.”
26. “It is better for someone to break your heart once by leaving your life, than for them to stay in your life and break your heart continually.” – Terry Mark
27. “Your partner should love and accept you the way you are. If they want you to change, know that it is not unhealthy.”
28. “Relationships based on obligation lack dignity.” – Wayne Dyer
29. “If the person you like lays down a set of criteria that you must meet to be worthy of their love, do yourself a favor and find someone who can love you unconditionally.”
30. “The death of one relationship always starts with small arguments and then the suspicions.”
31. “It is said that you should not go shopping when you are hungry because you end up buying all the wrong things. Similarly you should not enter into a relationship when you are lonely, you often make the wrong choice. If you keep adjusting and adjusting, know that you are in a wrong place.”
32. “Sometimes, we just fall in love with the wrong people.”
33. “The grass may not always be greener on the other side, but that is no excuse for staying in a relationship where you are undervalued and taken for granted.”
34. “Just because someone desires you, does not mean that he values you.” — Julianne Cantarella
    
35. “The day your partner starts taking you for granted, thank them for their time and move on. Trust me, you deserve much better.”
36. “Why do you think of him because he’s not thinking about you.” — Amy Nicholson
37. “Do not trick yourself by remembering the good days and forgetting the bad. Try assessing both the good and the bad in your relationship.”

38. “Staying in an unhealthy relationship that robs you of peace of mind, is not being loyal. It is choosing to hurt yourself mentally, emotionally, and sometimes, physically.” – Kemi Sogunle
39. “Never stand for someone comparing you to others. Your partner should love you for your unique qualities and gifts.”
40. “Never date someone who makes pain a side effect of love.”
41. “Your partner should love you for who you are and not what you can offer.”
42. “You can’t change someone who doesn’t see an issue in their actions.”
43. “If someone tells you that they no longer love you, believe them and move on. Do not spend your time convincing them why they should stay with you. It is their loss at the end of the day.”
44. “The moment you start to wonder that you deserve a better person in life. You actually do”
45. “Toxicity can hide behind many masks, take ample time to understand your partner and their intent.”
46. “It’s better to be single with high standards than in a relationship settling for less.”
47. “Over protectiveness and over controlling behavior may masquerade as care in the beginning, but as soon as you feel smothered, be vocal about it because it may not just be a phase and may get worse if not nipped in the bud.”
48. “A broken heart bleeds tears.” – Steve Maraboli
49. “You deserve to be loved and praised for your relationship no matter how small.”
50. “Hands that never touch. Lips that never meet. The Almost Lovers, never to be,” – Rae Hachton
51. “There is never an excuse for physical, emotional, or mental abuse. It is inexcusable in any and every circumstance.”
52. “So it’s true when all is said and done, grief is the price we pay for love.” E. A. Bucchianeri
53. “Trust is one of the main foundations of any relationship. Lack of trust can lead to ugly outcomes and should be handled with care.”
54. “The shattering of a heart when being broken is the loudest quiet ever.” – Carroll Bryant
55. “Substance abuse can be a deal breaker as it could cause the individual to behave in an erratic and unstable manner. Keep an eye out for early signs and do not overlook such behavior under any circumstances.”

56. “We’ve all loved someone way too freaking much.” – Karen Salmonsohn
57. “Codependency may seem cute in the beginning, but over time it can make you feel suffocating and you must learn to thrive as an individual.”
58. “Perhaps someday I’ll crawl back home, beaten, defeated. But not as long as I can make stories out of my heartbreak, beauty out of sorrow.”
59. “If your partner suffers from anger management issues, it is worth paying heed to as it may develop into a dangerous situation over time.”
60. “If you’re in a relationship and all you do is cry, you need to stop and ask yourself, are you dating a human or an onion.” – Karen Salmansohn
61. “In a toxic relationship, one person’s needs and feelings are constantly ignored and brushed aside, suffocating any hope for mutual understanding or harmony.”
62. “If your partner is always full of promises and never sees them through, beware and tread cautiously. This can lead to an unhealthy and unstable environment that will hamper your growth.”
63. “The only way to win with a toxic partner is not to play.”
64. “If your partner is not there for you in your times of need, there is no point in being in a relationship as you would be better alone without the false sense of security.”
65. “It hurts the most when the person that made you feel so special yesterday, makes you feel so unwanted the next.”
66. “If your partner is extremely rigid and set in their ways, the relationship might be short-lived. Do not think this is happening because of one of your flaws. Relationships are about compromise and without it the relationship may not survive.”
67. “If you’re giving love and not receiving it, you’re not in the right relationship. If you’re receiving it and not giving it, then you are taking advantage of the other person.” – Patti Stanger
68. “Condescending behavior can be one of the early signs that this relationship is not going to work. If you find your partner talking down to you, do not tolerate it. You are a beautiful and bright individual and both of you should share a sense of equality in your relationship.”
69. “A bad relationship can do that, can make you doubt everything good you ever felt about yourself.” – Dionne Warwick
70. “If you catch your partner being manipulative, you should be on guard as this is a sign that they are trying to control your actions. This type of behavior can usually lead to a toxic environment and should be avoided at all costs.”
71. “Break free of toxic people and relationships, they erode your quality of life.”
72. “In a relationship, your partner is supposed to bring out the best in you. If their behavior toward you is rude and disrespectful, you should not tolerate it as you are deserving of much better and greater things.”
73. “Failed relationships can be described as so much wasted make-up.” – Marian Keyes
74. “Do not stay in a toxic relationship because you are afraid of being alone.”

75. “Don’t allow someone not worth it to have the power to occupy your thoughts.” – Donna Lynn Hope
76. “It is noteworthy if your partner has lack of empathy and respect for people in general. Their rude behavior is a reflection of their character and you deserve someone who possesses better traits and has better etiquette.”
77. “Don’t settle for a relationship that won’t let you be yourself.” – Oprah Winfrey
78. “Relationships are worthwhile as long as they help you grow as an individual. The day they hamper your growth, they are no longer worth it.”
79. “Don’t light yourself on fire trying to brighten someone else’s existence.” – Charlotte Eriksson
80. “It is a blaring red flag when your partner fails to take responsibility for their actions. If you observe this behavior early on in the relationship, it is better to cut your losses than regret it at a later stage in life.”
81. “You flew off with the wings of my heart and left me flightless.” Stelle Atwater
82. “The inability to take constructive criticism is a sign of someone stuck in a rut who does not wish to improve. Instead of allowing someone like this to weigh you down, free yourself from an already drowning ship.”
83. “A broken heart is the worst. It’s like having broken ribs. Nobody can see it, but it hurts every time you breathe.”
84. “If you are not a priority for your partner, it is time to move on. Remember where there is a will there is a way. If they want to see you and talk to you, they will make it happen. If not, you are just not one of their priorities and you should also treat them in a similar manner.”
85. “My mouth says, ‘I’m ok.’ My fingers text, ‘I’m fine.’ My heart says, ‘I’m broken.’
86. “Never let anyone make you feel like you are worthless.”
87. “I gave you my heart, I just didn’t expect to get it back in pieces.”
88. “If your partner is not understanding and has no consideration for your feelings, there is no reason to prolong the facade and it is time to abandon an already sinking ship.”
89. “Love that remains the longest in your heart is the one that is not returned.”
90. “Hot one minute and cold the next, mood swings like these can give anyone a headache. Take a step back and assess your situation to see if the relationship is worth saving or not because such behavior can often lead to a toxic atmosphere.”
91. “It hurts like hell. And then one day, it doesn’t.”
92. “Whenever a relationship does not work out, remember it is God’s way of protecting us from something we would not be able to handle.”

93. “Love sometimes comes like a dream and leaves like a nightmare.”
94. “Sincerity is an integral aspect of any relationship. If they choose to be dishonest with you and lead you astray, do not sit idly by but take a stand for yourself and move on.”
95. “A toxic lover is someone damaged beyond repair.”
96. “Instead of crying over spilt milk, imagine how much worse the situation would have been if you had continued in that toxic relationship for just one more day, or month, or a year.”
97. “Poisonous relationships can alter our perception. You can spend many years thinking you’re worthless. But you’re not worthless. You’re underappreciated.” – Steve Maraboli
98. “If your partner is always blaming everyone for his flaws, it is a toxic trait that will soon cast a dark shadow over your relationship. At this time you must not blame yourself and just move on to greener pastures.”
99. “You create more space in your life when you turn your excess baggage to garbage.” – Chinonye J. Chidolue
100. “Never let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough for them. The bottom line is that your relationship is not meant to be and you would be better off alone than with someone who makes you feel inadequate.”
101. “Thinking of you is a poison I drink often.” – Atticus
102. “If your partner is super jealous and possessive, beware. This is often a sign of insecurity and can lead down to dark roads. No healthy relationship can sustain a large dose of either of these negative emotions.”
103. “I love you. But I hate the way you push me sometimes.”
104. “If your partner is superficial and cares more about how you look together than who you are on a deeper level, there is no need to continue the farce.”
105. “You broke my heart, I tried living with it. And then you broke my trust. That my dear is not acceptable.”
106. “If your partner is keeping you a secret from your friends and family it is time you assess your situation and communicate your position with your partner. If they are indeed embarrassed of being seen with you, you can clearly find someone who values your presence more.”
107. “Your love was awesome. It came quickly and left effortlessly.”
108. “Gaslighting is a serious redflag and one of the most popular forms of manipulation..”

109. “I miss how close we were. But I don’t regret it.”
110. “A relationship is about equality and if only one of you keeps giving while the other keeps taking, it will lead to feelings of resentment and toxicity.”

111. “I know it’s over and it never really began, but in my heart, it was so real.”
112. “Relationships are more like marathons. If you have yourself a sprinter maybe it’s time to move on.”
113. “I hate being broken. I hate that I cannot go back.”
114. “If neither party is willing to make sacrifices for the relationship, it can lead to a toxic and negative environment full of resentment.”
115. “Never let someone who contributes so little to a relationship control so much of it.”
116. “The pain may be unbearable now but remember dear one it will all be better one day.”
117. “A toxic relationship keeps dragging you down. It never helps you in becoming better. Your toxic partner will be unsupportive, unreliable, and also unsafe.”
118. “Once a cheater, always a cheater. Remember people never change, if you were not enough for your partner the first time around so not give them a second glance.”
119. “Grudges are for those who insist that they are owed something; forgiveness, however, is for those who are substantial enough to move on.” – Criss Jami
120. “If your partner is clingy and puts too much effort into the relationship it may also lead to a negative situation. It is all about the balance.”
121. “You cannot fix him. He has been the same and won’t change now. Instead, try to save yourself and get out of the toxic relationship.”
122. “It is a total deal breaker if your partner shows even the slightest amount of aggression towards you.”
123. “If your partner makes you lose your friends, family, self-esteem, happiness, and confidence, then you should lose him.”
124. “If your partner is always prioritizing their needs and wants above yours it is high time you reassess your position in that relationship.”
125. “If your partner is suspicious of your every act, you should start thinking about your relationship.”
126. “It is better to have peace of mind in your solitude than be mentally traumatized and in a relationship.”
127. “A relationship controlled by ambiguity, jealousy, and control is not a relationship at all. It is unstable.”
128. “Successful relationships allow the participants to grow as individuals, if yours is weighing you down and hampering your growth, it may be best to focus on yourself instead.”

129. “Problems in relationships occur because each person is concentrating on what is missing in the other person.” – Wayne Dyer
130. “If your partner is always passing the buck and never willing to take responsibility for their actions, it shows a lack of strength of character and this will surely put your relationship to the test in the long run.”
131. “You are not broken. Someone who didn’t love you convinced that you are.”
132. “If your partner lacks something as basic as self awareness, it will not only keep them stuck in the same position in life but it will also weigh you down in the long run.”
133. “Relationships are supposed to make you feel good. Relationships are not supposed to make you feel bad. Or guilty, insecure, ashamed, paranoid, or hopeless. So when a relationship makes you feel bad, guilty, insecure, ashamed, paranoid, or hopeless. End it. Get over him. Move on.” – Laura Bowers
134. “In any relationship, there are bound to be a few arguments and alterations. During such trying times, if your partner chooses to ignore you or not give your stance any importance, it will lead to a feeling of resentment.”
135. “When you don’t sleep peacefully in a relationship, you should come out of it and try it.”
136. “A relationship without healthy boundaries can turn dark in no time.”

137. “I am better than you and better without you. What are you without me?” – Chelsey Grace
138. “If your partner leaves you and then returns, never entertain them. They should have known what they were losing the first time around. You surely deserve better.”
139. “Lose him when he treats you like his girlfriend behind closed doors and sees right past you in public.” – Liane White
140. “Never be swayed by sweet words, wait and observe their actions.”
141. “Love shouldn’t hurt. If it does, it’s not love.”
142. “If someone is treating you like you are nothing, you should become nothing in their life by leaving.”
143. “Love is blind. A beautiful concept that one should abide by. If your partner is solely with you for your looks or money, it will never last.
144. “When he’s the last thing you need, he’ll drain you. He’ll exhaust you. He’ll destroy you. And you won’t see it that way. In fact, you won’t notice it at all. But everyone else will.” – Kirsten Corley
145. “Relationships are all about consistency. This short sentence will help you decide if your partner is worth it or not.”
146. “There is no safe way to remain in a relationship with a person who has no conscience. The only solution is to escape.”
147. “There is a fine line between being over protective and not caring at all. Either extreme is unhealthy and will lead to toxicity.”

148. “The problem with getting attached to a wrong person is, when they leave, you just feel lost.”
149. “If you and your partner are so caught up in your daily lives that you cannot spend quality time with each other, it may turn stale soon.”
150. “It’s amazing how someone can break your heart and you can still love them with all the little pieces.” – Ella Harper
151. “If someone can go so far as to break your heart, understand that they never loved you to begin with.”
152. “You make me feel like a firefly. Trapped in a bell jar; starved for love.” – Ayushee Ghoshal
153. “As harsh as it may seem, it may never have been love in the first place.”
154. “A deadness occurs in relationships when people are no longer willing to tell each other how they really feel.” – Shakti Gawain
155. “They say true love transcends all. If this was actually true we would still be together.”
156. “There is a time for departure even when there’s no certain place to go.” – Tennesse Williams
157. “Honesty is the best policy. If your partner doesn’t follow this, how do you know if anything has ever been real?”
158. “With all the smiles you brought me, I never thought that you could cause me so many tears.”
159. “To be a valuable contributor and asset to a relationship, it is essential that one is at peace with themselves first.”
160. “It’s sad when you realize you aren’t as important to someone as you thought you were.”
161. “A lack of discipline and dedication can overturn every aspect of a person’s life. It is best not to settle down with such instability and turmoil.”

162. “If it is destroying you. It is not love, my dear.”
163. “One of the purest and most cherished feelings is when your counterpart takes pride and joy in your success and achievements. If this is missing and they instead try to downplay your success, you’re with the wrong person.”
164. “How starved you must have been that my heart became a meal for your ego.” – Amanda Torroni
165. “Narcissistic behavior can be one of the earliest signs of an unreliable partner.”

166. Someone rightly quoted, “there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.” Irrespective of how depressing or toxic a relationship it is, you can always come out of it and breathe fresh air. Keep reading for more quotes that will help you recover from a bad relationship.
167. “Life is difficult as it is and if your partner does not support you through times of difficulty you should take a step back and assess the value of that relationship in your life.”
168. “You must make a decision that you are going to move on. It won’t happen automatically.” – Joel Osteen
169. “Financially both you and your partner may not be at the same level. It is a major red flag if they withhold finances from you in times of need and spend the shared finances on useless things. This can lead to resentment and toxicity.”
170. “Cry. Forgive. Learn. Move on. Let your tears water the seeds of your future happiness.” – Steve Maraboli
171. “If you find that your relationship with your partner is stressful and uncertain most of the time, you should take a step back and assess the situation. Relationships are supposed to give more happiness than stress.”
172. “The emotion that can break your heart is sometimes the very one that heals it.”
173. “If you find yourself feeling uneasy and strained as if you are walking on eggshells every time you touch certain topics, they certainly need to be addressed. This type of uneasiness can lead to much worse problems, down the line.”
174. “It was strange, really. A couple of months ago, I had thought I couldn’t live without him. Apparently I could.” – Gabrielle Zevin
175. “If your partner is oblivious to the problems you are facing and they simply choose to ignore your discomfort, it is a sign that maybe you should look somewhere else.”
176. “Sometimes you need to die a little inside in order to be reborn and thrive.”
177. “A relationship is like a long term investment and if your partner’s actions do not mirror their words, it is a clear sign that they are not in it for the long run.”
178. “We are born in relationship, we are wounded in relationship, and we can be healed in relationship.” – Harville Hendrix
179. “If the problem has been highlighted and identified but your partner is not willing to work on it or accept external aid, you should reconsider your future plans with that individual.”
180. “There’s an important difference between giving up and letting go.” – Jessica Hatchigan
181. “Negative forms of communication like sarcasm and defensive comments should not be entertained.”
182. “Broken hearts work, and they will make you strong.”
183. “If your partner has a volatile nature that tends to play up at the sound of bad news, you might avoid delicate situations and this is bound to lead to several problems in the future.”
184. “There must come a time when your love for yourself becomes more important than your need to hold onto the pain of your past.” – Karen Salmansohn
185. “When nothing you do seems to be right and all you see to make are mistakes you should understand that nothing will ever be enough for your partner and unless they introspect and strive to be a better person there is no use in continuing such a facade.”
186. “You have to believe that you’re better than the fountain of abuse that’s been spewing hurt and pain at you. You just are.” – Sara Li
187. “If your partner frequently threatens you with abandonment. You know they are not the one for you.”
188. “But he doesn’t love me anymore, and it’s not the end of the world.” – Jennifer Weiner
189. “If you feel unheard and alone in a fully-fledged relationship, then maybe they are just not the right one for you.”
190. “Love requires effort. Otherwise, it may turn futile in no time”
191. “There is a fine line between love and hate. If you don’t feel loved, then you know what to do”
192. “Love needs to be nurtured like a sapling. If not given the proper care it will soon wither up and die.”
193. “If you do not feel like you are being heard in your relationship then that person is just not the right one for you.”
194. “If the fear of losing your partner haunts you day in and day out, there are some personal insecurities that you should address before projecting them on others.”
195. “Being at peace with one’s own soul allows one to think clearly and assess the situation before them.”
196. “If they do not value you, they do not deserve you.”
197. “Unresolved mental health issues can sometimes present themselves in an ugly fashion and make life difficult for your partner.”
198. “Childhood trauma stems from dysfunctional families and can lead to tumultuous relationships.”
199. “Vulnerability in a relationship is essential and also risky. Ensure you know the person thoroughly before you share the deepest parts of your soul with them.”
200. “Commitment phobia is rampant in today’s day and age. The grass is not always greener on the other side but if someone hints at leaving you do not make the mistake of holding them back.”
201. “Sometimes the hardest step is to acknowledge the existence of a problem to begin with.”
202. “If your partner keeps dragging up the past and airing your dirty laundry, it is a sign that they are not the right one for you.”
203. “Competition is good but when it sparks a rivalry between partners it should be avoided at all costs.”
204. “If they cannot handle you on your worst days, then they do not deserve to be in your presence on your best days.”

Infographic: Why Some People Stay In A Toxic Relationship

A toxic relationship may not usually mean that your partner is physically abusive. Avoidance, lack of acknowledgment, dominance, and inability to make autonomous decisions are all indications of a toxic relationship.

Check out this infographic to learn about some reasons for people to stay in a toxic relationship even after knowing the truth.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Toxic Relationship Quotes For You To Free Yourself

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

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Mary C. RayLCSW, ACSW, SEP

Mary C. Ray has 33 years of clinical experience in dealing with people and healing their traumas. She supports couples and individuals in opening up to their problems and supports their transformation from conflicts to growth.

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Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

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Siddharth holds a certification in Relationship Coaching and a masters degree in communication and journalism from the University of Hyderabad. He has around seven years of experience in various fields of writing and editing.

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