2. DEVALUING

These toxic relationship stages can vary greatly in how they are implemented.

During this stage, the toxic partner will finally start to use abusive strategies and act out once they are sure that you are committed to the relationship.

The toxic and abusive incidents may start off small and lead to something explosive or it may be something simple like constant criticism that keeps happening on a daily basis.

The tactics and strategies may vary depending on the toxic person and the relationship dynamic.

However, some common strategies used by most narcissistic, toxic partners typically during the stages of a toxic relationship include –

1. Constant unnecessary arguments and disagreements
2. Emotional and physical infidelity
3. Exploiting your insecurities and fears
4. Constantly creating drama at the cost of your emotional and
5. Mental health
6. Jealousy and possessiveness
7. Passive aggressive behaviors
8. Being selfish
9. Silent treatment or going no contact

This is one of the stages of a toxic relationship where your toxic partner will start humiliating, insulting and devaluing you by commenting about your personality, physical appearance, goals, career, weaknesses, past relationships…nothing is off limits to them.

They will use your deepest secrets and regrets that you shared with them during the “idealizing” stage against you, breaking your trust. They will ignore your boundaries and smash all your attempts to counter them, until they have complete control over you.

“They may also triangulate and tell you that a trusted friend or family member said something unkind about you,” adds Stephanie Moulton Sarkis.

They will not hesitate to lie about your loved ones so that they can isolate you from anyone who can support you or encourage you to leave the toxic relationship.