Granted, no one ever plans on finding themselves in a toxic relationship, least of all a smart, vibrant, beautiful, young sugar baby. But when situations like that happen, they creep up on people a little bit at a time. And toxic relationships aren’t just hard to be in, either. They can be surprisingly hard to end, as well.
But how does a sugar baby know for sure whether she’s in a toxic relationship, and what should she do if she determines she is? Here’s a closer look at everything you need to know, including how you can safely and definitively leave a toxic relationship for good.
How to Identify a Toxic Relationship
Every relationship comes with its hardships and sticking points. Couples argue. They even hurt one another at times. But a particular relationship not being perfect 100 percent of the time isn’t what makes it toxic. Generally speaking, toxic relationships:
- Involve a power imbalance that’s being misused
- Include abuse of any kind, whether it’s physical, mental, emotional, or a combination
- Involve dynamics like gaslighting, manipulation, etc.
- Cause either or both of the parties involved to lose their sense of peace and happiness
Contrary to what some believe, people trapped in toxic relationships may actually love one another. But love alone isn’t enough to hold a relationship together when someone doesn’t know how to show love in healthy ways. Sometimes people simply bring out the worst in one another and are better off apart.
How to End a Toxic Relationship
Often, realizing you’re in a toxic relationship is the hard part. It’s easier than you think to deny the signs, especially if you genuinely do love your sugar daddy and have good reason to believe he loves you. But once you know the shot and get used to the idea, you’ll eventually find you’re ready to leave and seek the peace and happiness you deserve elsewhere. Here’s how.
Seek outside support
Even when you know it’s the right thing to do, leaving someone you love and have invested a lot in is never easy. That’s why it’s so important to lean on outside support to help you through things.
Talk to your friends and loved ones about what’s been going on. Be candid, be honest, and let them know the whole story, no matter how hard it is to tell it. Then listen to what they have to say and let them help you through what comes next.
Figure out why you’ve stayed
Even toxic relationships that are fraught with drama are complicated. Often, they still have their moments and benefits. Otherwise, you likely wouldn’t have stayed as long as you did. So, figure out what the benefits were to your relationship.
Maybe he was seriously attractive or knew just what to say to make you feel sexy. Maybe he was the type of sugar daddy who was generous even beyond reason. Figure out what you were getting out of your connection to him. Look for ways to either give those things to yourself or get them from friends, family, and other stable support sources.
Make a solid plan
The longer you’ve been in your relationship, the more likely it is that your lives have become intertwined in ways that require some creative thinking moving forward. Do you share finances or a living space? If so, will you be leaving or do you plan on asking your partner to move out?
Although you should never stay in any relationship where you feel you’re in danger, it’s always best to have a plan in place before you walk away if possible. Make sure it’s realistic, and that your plan is a good fit for your unique circumstances.
Tell your partner
If your situation safely allows for it, sit your partner down for a frank talk once you’re all set to leave. Tell them you’re ready to end your relationship, and be honest with them about why. Be sure to emphasize that your mind is made up.
If you’re concerned such a conversation would quickly turn toxic or otherwise not go well, you can try writing down what you want to say instead and leaving it for your partner to read after you’re gone. This also lets them respond (if they wish) when they’re ready and from a comfortable distance.
Breakups are never easy, even when they’ve been a long time coming and both people understand it’s for the best. So be sure to focus on the positives. This is the first step toward a better, more peaceful life and a potential future relationship with a different sugar daddy who’s a much better fit for you.
No one should settle for a life or a relationship that doesn’t make them happy or allow them to be their best self. Remember, you deserve better, and you’ll get it if you listen to your gut and do what you know is right for you.
