It's puzzling to see women who are put together, capable, pleasant, and delightful fall into toxic relationships. This defies reason and raises questions about the fairness in the world.
If you're curious as to why some women are drawn to toxic partners, we're here to provide insight.
Why women fall into and stay in toxic relationships is a complex issue with many reasons. Here we present the top 5 reasons, along with ways to break the cycle of heartbreak and answers to common questions.
Why Do Women Like Toxic Men
The attraction to toxic men can stem from various reasons, but none of them justify the turmoil and stress these relationships cause.
1. They Enjoy The Attention
One of the most unfortunate reasons women may be drawn to toxic partners is a desire for attention. Some individuals relish playing the role of the victim, and these women may become addicted to the attention they receive from loved ones.
Individuals, regardless of gender, who fall into this pattern frequently find themselves in unhappy relationships, feeling unvalued by their employers, and neglected by their families, all depending on who is listening at the time. They have a fear that attaining happiness would result in a loss of their significance.
2. Toxic People Make You Feel Good At First
Familiarizing yourself with the concept of "Love Bombing" may be beneficial. Love Bombing is a hallmark of toxic relationships, particularly in the early stages.
Narcissists are expert manipulators and in the early stages of a relationship, they shower a woman with attention, go to great lengths to make her feel special, and create an emotional dependence on them. For someone who has been lacking attention, this can be a powerful and intoxicating experience.
Beware, once a predator has ensnared their victim, they quickly resort to withholding attention and inflicting abuse as a way to exert control over their partner and feed their toxic ego.
3. Toxic Relationships Are Literally Addictive
Toxic relationships can be just as addictive as substance abuse. One can become physically addicted to the physiological response to the stress they induce.
Dopamine, a hormone released by both emotional stress and physical pleasure, stimulates the pleasure centers in the brain, making it highly addictive. The cyclical nature of toxic relationships, which induce a constant release of dopamine, can lead to addiction.
Furthermore, a woman's body releases Oxytocin during orgasm, providing an additional layer of mind-altering experiences that can be challenging to overcome.
4. Low Self-Esteem Makes People Vulnerable To Toxic People
Women with low self-esteem are often vulnerable to toxic relationships. They don't believe they deserve better and remain in familiar circumstances. Sadly, some women believe they deserve mental and even physical abuse, lacking hope for a better future.
Narcissistic men are skilled at identifying women with low self-esteem and exploiting their insecurities. Like a predator sensing its prey, they provide just enough pleasure to make the relationship bearable for the woman. Once they've hooked her, they inflict misery to fulfill their own emotional needs, just as a fisherman reels in a prized catch.
5. Dysfunctional Can Be Functional
Individuals, including women, tend to avoid the unknown. When they come from an abusive background or have a history of toxic relationships, being in such relationships becomes the norm, even if it seems abnormal to others.
They may remain in toxic relationships due to a fear of the unknown. They may unconsciously seek out men who display the same personality traits as their previous partners. To them, dysfunction is familiar and thus feels functional. Like a functioning alcoholic who can work with a hangover, these women tolerate the pain in their relationships because it feels safer than risking something new and better.
How To Stop Being Addicted To Toxic Men
An addiction to toxic individuals can be similarly destructive as an addiction to drugs. Some might even argue that it is a more severe form of addiction. It can bring harm to your relationships with others, shatter your mental and emotional stability, and in severe situations, even lead to physical health problems.
Find A Purpose To Change
Breaking the cycle of dating toxic individuals is achievable with a determined effort. While it's not an effortless journey, letting go of negative patterns is never easy. With commitment, however, you have the power to liberate yourself from a damaging relationship and steer clear of entering into similar situations in the future.
To break free from toxic relationships, it is important to understand the motivations behind staying in them. People are often hesitant to let go of something, even if it is harmful. To make the transition easier, it can be helpful to focus on the benefits of leaving the relationship, such as improved mental and emotional health, increased self-esteem, and the opportunity to build healthy relationships in the future.
Seek Professional Help
Recognizing that you have an issue with attracting toxic partners can be challenging, but it's important to understand the root causes and find ways to resolve them. Don't be afraid to reach out for assistance. Consider seeking professional support as a step towards helping yourself.
Consulting a life coach, therapist, or addiction counselor can help you get to the root of the issue and find ways to break free from toxic relationships. It's important to be honest and open about your situation to receive the most effective guidance and support.
Decide On A Plan
It's important to have a clear and specific plan in place when trying to break away from toxic relationships.
Your plan should include both what actions you need to take and what habits you need to break. Working with a life coach, therapist, or addiction counselor can help you determine the best course of action for your unique situation. Writing your plan down and reviewing it daily can help you stay on track and avoid delays or setbacks.
Set A Deadline
It's crucial to turn your plan into action. Establish a starting date for your new plan or a deadline for ending your current toxic relationship. Seek support from your life coach, therapist, or addiction counselor to help you mentally prepare and make necessary arrangements. Remember, a well-prepared plan is more likely to lead to successful results.
Take action when the deadline arrives. Liberty can only be attained through decisive action.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Toxic Men Use You?
Toxic individuals, including men, manipulate and exploit others to fulfill their own needs and desires. Some toxic men use relationships as a means of exercising power and boosting their own ego, while others may seek out partners as a source of financial support and personal pleasure.
As every toxic individual is unique, their ultimate objectives may differ to some extent. However, what remains constant is their tendency to prioritize their own needs over yours, at your expense.
What Types Of Men Are Considered Toxic?
It's important to be aware of the various types of toxic men, in order to avoid becoming involved with them. Here are 12 types to watch out for.
The rebellious bad boy
The underachiever
The aspiring creative or intellectual
The ambitious risk-taker
The driven workhorse
The excessive drinker
The mama's boy
The perpetual party animal
The philandering womanizer
The controlling tyrant
The entitled trust-fund recipient
The chronically forgetful individual
Wrap Up
Being in a relationship with a toxic man can have devastating consequences on your mental and emotional well-being. If you find yourself in such a situation, it's important to take action and remove yourself from it. If you find that you are repeatedly drawn to toxic relationships, it's crucial to seek help from a professional to understand why and make positive changes.
You should never have to endure being manipulated and mistreated for someone else's satisfaction. Despite your past experiences, there are kind and trustworthy men out there, and you are deserving of finding one for yourself.
