New Hope MHCLC: A Whole Person Approach

Toxic Traits, Common Users, and their Relationships

Ghosting

Definition: Disappearing suddenly and completely from someone’s life without any explanation or contact.

Common Users: Often used by individuals who are avoidant in nature or lack the emotional maturity to end relationships properly.

Common Relationships: Seen in early dating stages, casual relationships, when someone don’t know how to end a relationship, and online dating.

Love Bombing

Definition: Overwhelming someone with excessive attention, admiration, and affection in order to gain control over them.

Common Users: Often used by narcissists or individuals with manipulative tendencies.

Common Relationships: Seen in romantic relationships, especially in the initial stages.

Benching

Definition: Keeping someone on hold or in a state of uncertainty, not committing fully but not letting them go either.

Common Users: Individuals who like to keep their options open or are unsure about their feelings.

Common Relationships: Seen in early dating stages and casual relationships.

Cushioning

Definition: Keeping several backup relationships to cushion the blow if the main relationship fails.

Common Users: Individuals who fear being alone or have a lack of commitment.

Common Relationships: Seen in both casual and serious relationships.

Catfishing

Definition: Creating a fake identity or misrepresenting oneself online to deceive someone.

Common Users: Individuals seeking attention, revenge, or those with low self-esteem.

Common Relationships: Seen in online dating and social media interactions.

Bread-crumbing

Definition: Sending intermittent, sporadic messages to keep someone’s interest without committing to a relationship.

Common Users: Individuals who like attention but do not want a relationship.

Common Relationships: Seen in online dating, casual dating, and social media interactions.

Stashing

Definition: Keeping someone hidden from friends and family, not integrating them into one’s social life.

Common Users: Individuals who are unsure about the relationship or want to keep their options open.

Common Relationships: Seen in romantic relationships, especially when there is a lack of commitment or fear of judgment from others.

Who Uses These Traits and in Which Relationships

These toxic traits are typically used by individuals who have:

• Avoidant or insecure attachment styles.
• Narcissistic or manipulative tendencies.
• Fear of commitment or fear of being alone.
• Low self-esteem or a need for validation.

These behaviors are most commonly seen in:

• Early stages of dating.
• Casual relationships.
• Online dating scenarios.
• Relationships where one partner is unsure or emotionally immature.

Understanding these toxic behaviors can help in recognizing and avoiding unhealthy relationships, leading to better emotional health and well-being.

Following I share a few hashtags for the day ;)

#RelationshipAdvice #ToxicRelationships #DatingRedFlags #EmotionalWellbeing #KnowTheSigns #HealthyRelationships #SelfLove #MentalHealthAwareness #RelationshipGoals #BoundariesMatter #LoveWisely #DatingTips #OnlineDating #EmotionalIntelligence #RelationshipBoundaries

©️2024 Denise Kilby New Hope MHCLC Assoc. All rights reserved.