
If you feel like you need to talk to your friend about their toxic partner, it's important to approach the discussion in a calm, nonjudgmental way. "It can feel like an attack when someone confronts you about your relationship," Moore says. "Remind your friend of your intentions: that you care about their safety and well-being."
Start the conversation off by asking your friend if they have any concerns about their relationship. This way, the ball is in their court, and they may be less likely to get defensive. Once you start voicing your own concerns, remind them that it's coming from a place of compassion, and offer any support that they may need. "Tell your friend that you are there for them no matter what decision they make and that you support them 100 percent," Moore says. "It can take a long time for individuals to come to terms with abuse, and they’re going to need you more than ever when that happens."
Also, if you have personal experience with a toxic relationship, that might be useful to bring up in the conversation. Sharing what you went through and how it affected you will show your friend that you know what they're dealing with and that you're truly on their side.
If you do end up talking to your friend about their relationship, make sure you go into the interaction without any expectations of a specific outcome. "If you are dead-set on your friend leaving their partner, your friend will pick up on this and may become resistant to your message," Moore says. "Be open to the possibility that your friend may not be ready to hear what you have to say."
If your friend seems to be in a toxic relationship, don't be afraid to step in. They might not be receptive of your concerns at first, but speaking up could be an important step in your friend ending the relationship or getting any help that they need.
Editor's Note: If you or your friend is in an abusive relationship and needs help, you can call The National Domestic Violence Hotline. It is open 24 hours a day.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSraOeZpOkunC8jnFkrKGXo8Buxc6uqWaeop6yr7CMoqpmoZ5irm7AzrGgnGWimrmiwMiopaygmaV6qbvWZquoZaSWuax506hkraCVonqirs6uq2ahpGKBen2XbQ%3D%3D