We’ve all heard of toxic relationships, but what about toxic monogamy? Just like any other kind of toxicity, toxic monogamy can seep into our lives and cause all sorts of problems in our relationships. But when the downs start to outweigh the ups, it might be time to take a step back and reassess your relationship.
Let’s take a look at what toxic monogamy is and 6 ways how it might be affecting your relationships. In this blog, we’ll also explore what you can do to break free from the toxicity and build healthier, happier relationships.
What Is Toxic Monogamy?
Toxic monogamy is a form of codependency that can occur in romantic relationships. It’s characterized by an unhealthy dependence on your partner for emotional support and validation.
It can be damaging to both partners involved. It can create an imbalance of power and make one partner feel like they’re constantly walking on eggshells. If left unchecked, it can lead to emotional and physical abuse.
Toxic monogamy typically happens when one or both partners are possessive, jealous, or controlling. This can lead to all sorts of problems in the relationship, including but not limited to:
- Blogging about your relationship struggles
- Feeling like you’re always walking on eggshells
- Feeling suffocated or trapped in the relationship
- Having little to no independence or personal space
- Feeling like you’re always competing with your partner
If any of these sound familiar, it’s possible that you’re in a toxic monogamous relationship. Keep reading to learn more about how this might be affecting you.
5 Types of Monogamy That Can Be Toxic
There are different types of monogamy, and not all of them are healthy. Here are five that can be particularly toxic:
1. Physical Monogamy
Physical monogamy is when you’re monogamous with your partner physically but not emotionally. You might agree that you can both see other people, but you only do so physically. This can be just as damaging as being in a traditional monogamous relationship because it doesn’t allow for emotional intimacy outside of the relationship.
2. Social Monogamy
Social monogamy is a kind of relationship that’s based on social factors rather than emotional or physical ones. It’s usually defined as being exclusive with your partner in terms of dating, but you might still see other people socially. This can be difficult to maintain because it relies on avoiding certain situations and people, which isn’t always possible.
3. Financial Monogamy
Financial monogamy is when both partners share all financial responsibilities and make joint decisions about finances. This can be toxic if one partner starts to feel like they’re being controlled or micromanaged.
4. Emotional Monogamy
Emotional monogamy is when both partners share all their emotions with each other and are expected to respond to each other’s emotional needs. This can be toxic if one partner feels like they’re always the one who has to be there for their partner or if they feel like their partner is never truly emotionally present for them.
5. Activity Monogamy
Activity monogamy is when you and your partner only engage in one activity together. This could be something like only watching movies together or only going for walks together. This can be a great way to bond with your partner and make sure that you’re both getting quality time together. However, it can also be restrictive, and if you’re not careful, it can lead to boredom.
6 Reasons That Make Monogamy Toxic
Monogamy has been around for centuries and is still the most popular relationship model today. But that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. In fact, there are a number of reasons why monogamy can be toxic:
1. Lack of Communication
Communication is key in any relationship, but it’s especially important in a monogamous one. You need to be able to communicate your needs and desires to your partner, and you also need to be able to listen to and understand what they’re saying. Without communication, the relationship is likely to fizzle out.
2. Jealousy
Jealousy is another emotion that can cause problems in a monogamous relationship. If you’re feeling jealous of your partner’s attention or time, it can lead to arguments and resentment. Again, communication is key here. If you’re feeling jealous, talk to your partner about it so that you can work through the issue together.
3. Possessiveness
Possessiveness is another emotion that can crop up in monogamous relationships. It’s natural to want to spend all your time with your partner and not want to share them with anyone else. However, this possessiveness can lead to problems if it’s not kept in check. If you find yourself feeling possessive of your partner, try to remember that they’re their own person, and they need time away from you too.
4. Insecurity
Insecurity is another common emotion in monogamous relationships. If you’re feeling insecure, it means that you’re worried about your partner’s feelings for you. This can lead to arguments and resentment, as well as a general feeling of unease. If you’re feeling insecure, talk to your partner about it so that you can work through it together.
5. Jealousy
Jealousy is closely related to insecurity, and it’s another emotion that can cause problems in a relationship. If you’re feeling jealous, it means that you’re worried about your partner’s feelings for someone else. This can lead to arguments and resentment, as well as a general feeling of unease. If you’re feeling jealous, talk to your partner about it so that you can work through it together.
6. Anger
Anger is a normal emotion, but it can be problematic in a relationship if it’s not handled properly. If you’re feeling angry with your partner, try to communicate calmly and honestly about what’s causing the anger. It’s also important to listen to your partner’s perspective and try to see things from their point of view.
Final Thoughts
So while monogamy has its benefits, there are also some drawbacks that you should be aware of before you decide to enter into a monogamous relationship. Keep these things in mind so that you can make the best decision for yourself.
