Your Privacy is Important to us

We encourage you to review our Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms listed here. In case you want to opt out, please click "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link in the footer of this page.

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

We won't sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.

Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI INDTOI USTOI GCC
TOI+
  • Home
  • Live
  • TOI Games
  • Top Headlines
  • India
  • City News
  • Photos
  • Business
  • Real Estate
  • Entertainment
  • Movie Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Elections
  • Web Series
  • Sports
  • TV
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Events
  • World
  • Music
  • Astrology
  • Videos
  • Tech
  • Auto
  • Education
  • Log Out
Follow Us On
Open App
  • ETIMES
  • CINEMA
  • VIDEOS
  • TV
  • LIFESTYLE
  • VISUAL STORIES
  • MUSIC
  • TRAVEL
  • FOOD
  • TRENDING
  • EVENTS
  • THEATRE
  • PHOTOS
  • MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MOVIE LISTINGS
  • HEALTH
  • RELATIONSHIP
  • WEB SERIES
  • BOX OFFICE

8 things you should not tolerate in a relationship

etimes.in | Last updated on - Mar 6, 2024, 01:00 IST
Comments
Share
1/9

Telltale signs that demonstrate toxic patterns in relationship​

The foundation of a progressive relationship is rooted in great intimacy. However, the presence of subtle acts of manipulation impedes intimacy in the relationship, resulting in an unhealthy dynamic. Perhaps, being completely head over heels in love can create a haze that makes it difficult for you to discern the acts that no longer uphold the relationship. Here we list down 8 things you should not tolerate in a relationship.

By TOI Lifestyle Desk

Image credits: canva

2/9

Physical and emotional abuse​

A repetitive cycle of emotional and physical abuse creates a toxic dynamic in a relationship. Partner-instigated violence of any kind and a pattern of emotional harm characterized by constant criticism, scornful remarks, and manipulation should never be internalized. Sexual abuse should never be tolerated.

Image credits: canva

3/9

​ Disrespect

Constant disrespectful behaviour involves frequent acts of belittling the partner publicly, and constant sweeping remarks, to shatter self-esteem. If your partner fails to validate your emotions and frequently disregards your concerns, it’s a sign of a lack of respect in the relationship. A relationship that lacks respect has no future.

Image credits: canva

4/9

Deception​

The act of deception can be identified by dishonest and secretive behaviour in the relationship. A deceptive partner is untrustworthy and disloyal in a relationship. The act of betrayal undermines the integrity of the relationship. A Deceitful partner is frivolously involved in a relationship—and this becomes evident by their subtle acts.

Image credits: canva

5/9

Manipulation​

Sharing a romantic relationship with a manipulative individual can be emotionally exhausting. A manipulative partner often tries to cloud the argument by bringing irrelevant talk in between the arguments to defend themselves. Guilt-tripping and gaslighting are the most common ways manipulative partners respond in a relationship. Talking to them becomes emotionally exhausting.

Image credits: canva

6/9

Controlling behaviour​

If your partner tries to influence your choices and decisions to demonstrate supremacy in the relationship, it’s a sign of a toxic relationship. A narcissistic partner often demonstrates controlling behaviour in a relationship. They try to excessively monitor your whereabouts and evaluate your life’s decisions. For such individuals, exerting dominance over their partner is the tactic to feel superior. A relationship based on power dynamics can’t last longer.

Image credits: istock

7/9

​ Infidelity

Promiscuous behaviour should never be tolerated in a relationship. Infidelity is the act of deceit and if anything of this sort happens, one should end the relationship. If your partner has cheated on you, it is a warning that you are in an unhealthy relationship with deceptive behaviour. Hence, such deceitful behaviour should never be tolerated in a relationship.

Image credits: canva

8/9

Body shaming​

If your partner makes derogatory remarks about your body and appearance, then it can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness. If they constantly try to find flaws in the way you dress up or the way you look, it’s a sign that they do not appreciate you for the person you are. Such toxic traits should never be internalized, as these traits are emotionally harmful.

Image credits: istock

9/9

Isolation from loved ones​

Estranged relationships are characterized by a lack of communication and intimacy in the relationships. If your partner tries to isolate you from your loved ones and becomes insecure about your other close relationships, then do not interpret it as care and possessiveness—it implies intentions to manipulate your relationships and to prevent you from forming a network circle.

Image credits: canva

Start a Conversation

Post comment
Featured In lifestyle
  • Sara Tendulkar shares rare picture as Sachin and Anjali celebrate 31st anniversary: 5 marriage lessons to learn from the power-couple
  • Rainbow Mountain of Peru: Why this colourful wonder stayed hidden beneath snow for years
  • African proverb of the day: “If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try spending the night with…”— why even the smallest actions can change everything
  • How to remove blackheads with a wet tissue
  • Success quote of the day by Swami Vivekananda: "Let people say whatever they like..."
  • Shilpa Shetty's home symbolises the right flush of colours with a blend of craftsmanship: Art inspirations to take away
  • Art quote of the day by Pablo Picasso: “The world today doesn’t make sense, so why should I paint pictures that do?”
  • Thought of the day inspired by the Bhagavad Gita: Silence often reveals what noise cannot
  • 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India that deserve a spot on every history and nature lover’s bucket list
Photostories
  • How to make protein-rich Paneer Pulao for summer lunch
  • 4 powerful personality traits of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan that prove she is the queen of grace and quiet strength
  • ​8 ways to engage children other than giving them a mobile phone
  • Best moments from AMA 2026: From the Black Eyed Peas’ reunion to BTS’ return after 4 years
  • Take a tour of Prabhas’ Rs 60 crore worth lavish Jubilee Hills dream home
  • Is cinnamon actually good for your plants? Here’s why gardeners are using it more often
  • From anger to dishonesty; These daily habits may be weakening your planets
  • 'As a Hindu...': Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu defends Tulsi Gabbard over Bible verse tweet, calls out Laura Loomer online
  • In photos: South India's wildest waterfalls to witness during monsoon season
Explore more Stories
  • 10
    How to make protein-rich Paneer Pulao for summer lunch
  • 5
    4 powerful personality traits of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan that prove she is the queen of grace and quiet strength
  • 8
    Is cinnamon actually good for your plants? Here’s why gardeners are using it more often
  • 8
    How to remove blackheads with a wet tissue
  • 9
    In photos: South India's wildest waterfalls to witness during monsoon season
Up Next
  • ETimes
  • /
  • Life & Style
  • /
  • Relationships
  • /
  • Love & Sex
  • /
  • 8 things you should not tolerate in a relationship
About UsTerms Of UsePrivacy PolicyCookie Policy

Copyright © May 26, 2026, 02.40PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service