Pulling Weeds

Jenny McCarthy
Thu, 12 Mar 2015 21:00:00 -0700
Lifestyle

Last week on my SiriusXM Radio show, "Dirty, Sexy, Funny," we talked about some signs of toxic relationships. I think we've all been there — in those friendships and relationships that, after a while, make you wonder why you continue to invest yourself and your time in them. Some of us may actually be experiencing toxic relationships right now. The good news is that there are warning signs to look out for, so you can get out before you get sucked in too far.

—If someone is giving you backhanded compliments, he or she isn't showing you the respect you deserve. We all deserve to be given genuine, nice compliments.

—Does your relationship feel one-sided? No one wants to be with someone who only comes around when he or she needs something. Relationships are a two-way street.
Updated: Fri Mar 13, 2015

Last week on my SiriusXM Radio show, "Dirty, Sexy, Funny," we talked about some signs of toxic relationships. I think we've all been there — in those friendships and relationships that, after a while, make you wonder why you continue to invest yourself and your time in them. Some of us may actually be experiencing toxic relationships right now. The good news is that there are warning signs to look out for, so you can get out before you get sucked in too far.

—If someone is giving you backhanded compliments, he or she isn't showing you the respect you deserve. We all deserve to be given genuine, nice compliments.

—Does your relationship feel one-sided? No one wants to be with someone who only comes around when he or she needs something. Relationships are a two-way street.

—Jealousy is the worst thing to experience in a relationship. Along with jealousy come controlling behaviors and mistrust — and none of those qualities should be welcomed or tolerated in a healthy relationship.

—Never keep score. Are you and your partner constantly trying to one-up each other or prove each other wrong? A little friendly competition is fun at times, but it shouldn't consume your entire relationship.

—Are you still being yourself? It's possible to get so wrapped up in someone that you start to lose your own personality or identity. In order to have a successful relationship, you also need to stand out as individuals.

I think Lynne Koplitz, a comedian on my "Dirty, Sexy, Funny" tour, put it best when she said that there are three types of relationships: perennials, annuals and weeds. In order to have happy, healthy relationships, we need to focus more on the perennials in our lives and toss out the weeds. As hard as it can be, it can also be extremely refreshing to sort through the people in your life in order to keep yourself happy.

What are some other signs of a toxic relationship, or how do you keep your own relationships healthy? Tweet me @JennyMcCarthy.