TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

February 08, 2022

To be in a relationship is almost everyone's desire.With few exceptions, human beings want to be emotionally and physically close to each other. Each relationship will bring something new out of an individual ,each is an opportunity to learn,to grow and to be challenged.

Toxic relationships are unfortunately prevalent in the Society and the University is no exception. For many students, University is the ideal time to explore dating and relationships.Unfortunately this is not a positive experience for everyone.Toxic relationships are a prevalent phenomenon among University students and can have many negative consequences for those involved in this relationships.

A toxic relationship, is a relationship where an individual is being emotionally or physically abused by the other person.These relationships are imbalanced and unhealthy and they are characterised by control.At the University, it is very easy for one to be in a toxic relationship because of peer pressure.In this case an Individual may want to be seen with a particular friend or hang around with a classy girl or a cool guy inorder to be seen by the other Students.Financial problems can also make one to be in a toxic relationship.

A toxic individual behaves the way he or she does essentially for one main reason.He or she must be in complete control and must have all the power in the relationship .Power sharing does not occur in any significant way in a toxic relationship, meaning one person is overly passive whether they no it or not.

Sadly, it is very hard for most University Students to know how toxic a person is until they build relationship with them. Imagine of a relationship where you are constantly criticised and put down infront of others,a relationship where you are being controlled,a partner full of jealous and a relationship where there is big imbalance of power.The most painful thing is most students lose themselves in the process of loving someone too much forgetting that they are special too.Due to this,many University students get heartbroken, others feel very disappointed and they even end up killing themselves not knowing that true love waits.Due to the increased number of murder cases as a result of this unhealthy relationships ,several universities through the guiding and counseling department have come up with counseling sessions to those students who seem to be in toxic relationships and need to be advised.

Photo courtesy: Technical University of Mombasa

However,it is not that simple to leave a toxic relationship. Often the person being abused feels trapped and holding out hope that the toxic person's behavior will change.They might be scared to leave incase it makes the situation worse since they have often been depending on the abuser .

There are many reasons why it may seem easier for University students to stay in this relationships.However it's not healthy especially for a student has it may affect one's academic work.One may lack concentration in class and thus ending up performing very poorly in the exam.

Students can have low chances of getting into toxic relationships if they take their time to choose wisely there romantic relationships and friends.Make essential qualities that a new friend or partner must possess.And only continue dating someone or spending time with a new friend if one is free when he or she is with them.If one is not comfortable,then ending that kind of relationship will be a great deal to avoid alot of unnecessary drama.