The Truth About Toxic Relationships... and When to Walk Away

What really defines a toxic relationship?

Is it the yelling, the control, the quiet dismissals, or the moments that leave you doubting your own reality? In this episode, therapists Rick Miller and Lillian Borges dig deep into one of the most difficult subjects for any couple: the fine line between normal relationship conflict and the kind of emotional damage that chips away at your sense of self.

Rick and Lillian explore what “toxic” truly means, why some people can’t see their own harmful behavior, and how others end up shrinking themselves to survive in a painful dynamic. They unpack common patterns like gaslighting, power struggles, and codependence. There’s a world of difference between being human and being destructive, and recognizing that difference can be life-changing.

Whether you’re questioning your own relationship or simply curious about how toxicity takes hold, this conversation will help you understand what’s healthy, what’s not, and how to begin reclaiming your well-being.

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