logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2025
45m 6s

How to know if you’re in a toxic relatio...

NATALIE KENNEDY
About this episode

How does one know that the relationship they are in is toxic or abusive? I often add the disclaimer to relationship anxiety content to disregard my insight if you’re in a toxic or abusive relationship. In this episode, I lay out my nuanced thoughts on this, knowing full well there are limitations even to this line of thinking. We discuss power dynamics, manipulation, unconsciousness, malicious intent, and more. I am also hopeful that you will get more clarity on your situation, because in either case, if you are wondering this question, it is likely there is some unconsciousness that needs addressing.

 

US Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)

 

Links: 

Up next
Jul 8
How to resolve the "should I stay or should I go?" conflict
This is an IG LIVE - you can watch it here Join me for Tension of Opposites starting July 10th HERE 
30m 55s
Jun 2025
End the war within yourself with Stefi Preiss
End the war within yourself with Stefi Preiss In this episode, I bring one of my dearest friends and mentors, Stefi Preiss, to discuss a practice that helped me step out of relationship anxiety and commit to my partner (now husband and daddy to my baby!) with my whole heart. We d ... Show More
38m 27s
Jun 2025
The birth of my son-- and death of my brand.
Hi podcast listener! I'm back with a fresh episode after having a baby boy. This episode includes my birth story (which went tremendously well), as well as some changes I'm making moving forward, including to the title of this podcast. Work with me 1:1: https://www.anxiouslovecoa ... Show More
42m 14s
Recommended Episodes
May 2025
(Rewind): How to Cut Out a Toxic Person
Why do we stay in relationships that erode our confidence, self-worth, and happiness? In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of trauma bonds and how empathy—one of our greatest strengths—can become our biggest weakness in toxic relationships. We’ll explore why we get stuc ... Show More
20m 22s
Nov 2024
Answering Your DM's Regarding Healthy & Toxic Relationships
Welcome to another episode where I dive into the messages of the advice you guys want me to answer. I recently have been receiving so many messages regarding relationships; opening back up, being in the waiting season, how to handle yourself in a healthy relationship, etc... In t ... Show More
49m 28s
Jan 2025
316. How to Heal Yourself Emotionally: Mastering Self-Regulation for a Happier Life
You’ve talked about your past and likely know a lot of the reasons why you’ve got issues (I say with love). The problem is that even though you might know the why (or think you do), you don’t feel better. You continue to repeat unhealthy relationship cycles and you’re still not m ... Show More
59m 42s
Aug 2024
#85 - How to Help Someone w/ Relationship Anxiety + ROCD
If you are the partner of someone with relationship anxiety, this episode is for you.   If you have relationship anxiety and want to be able to ask your partner for more intentional support, this episode is for you!   Thank you to the help of the You Love and You Learn community ... Show More
31m 16s
Jul 22
#198: What Anxiously Attached People Need to Thrive in a Relationship
When you have an anxious attachment style, it can be hard to know what you actually need to feel secure — especially if past relationships have left you second-guessing yourself or trying to manage your anxiety by suppressing your needs.In this episode, we’re exploring five key i ... Show More
21m 59s
Aug 26
Is THIS The Most Toxic Habit of Anxious Attachment?
✨ Ever feel like your brain just won’t shut off... even when everything’s actually fine in your relationship? You’re spiraling, checking for signs, running worst-case scenarios, and overanalyzing their every move... but you know deep down, it’s you, not them. 🤯 On this week's ep ... Show More
22m 54s
Mar 2024
How to Speak Up, Leave the Toxic Relationship, and Actually Save Yourself | Najwa Zebian PT 2
Welcome back to part 2 of this aaaaamazing conversation with my homie Najwa Zebian, the QUEEN of healing and embracing change.And if you thought part 1 of this convo was powerful, get ready cause we’re going even deeper into understanding WHY choosing to leave a toxic guy is SO C ... Show More
57m 48s
Sep 25
What If You Want to Stay With a Narcissist?
What happens if you want to stay with a narcissist—or even go back to one? In this video, Lee Hammock (Self-Aware Narcissist) explains what it really means to remain in a toxic relationship and why radical acceptance is the only way forward.More resources and join the group coach ... Show More
11m 46s
Sep 29
When Men Say They’ve Been Abused: A Conversation with Josh from The Derelict Podcast
Disclaimer: This interview features perspectives from a male divorce coach navigating toxic dynamics. While some views expressed differ from those of trauma-informed psychology, I found it valuable to explore these tensions in real time. Please listen with care, and note that I c ... Show More
41m 11s
Sep 10
Why Smart Women Stay in Toxic Relationships (And Ignore the Red Flags) | Dr. Anna Machin
Craving love can connect us—or leave us vulnerable to harm we never saw coming. In this episode, I (Lisa Bilyeu) sit down with evolutionary anthropologist Dr. Anna Machin to peel back the science behind why we’re drawn to love, why it can blind us to red flags, and how manipulato ... Show More
55m 11s