Psychologist Dirk Steuber from Berlin defines the term 'toxic relationships' as relationships in which the parties harm each other, often on an emotional level and sometimes physically. He sees a positive side in this, such as increased awareness and breaking taboos, but at the same time warns that this may lead young people, in particular, to develop misconceptions about what relationships look like. Steuber points out that an important warning sign of being in a toxic relationship is a person's inner feeling: 'If you feel like you're walking on eggshells and don't know what might upset the other person next, these are clear warning signs.' He also explains that other common patterns include control, surveillance, emotional blackmail, or isolating the other person from their social circle, as well as constantly alternating between idealization and devaluation. In this context, the phenomenon known as 'gaslighting' is also mentioned, which involves systematically doubting a person's perception of reality. Steuber explains that the consequences of toxic relationships are serious and long-lasting, as constant stress can lead to sleep disorders, anxiety, or depression. He adds that those who have experienced toxic relationships often fall into similar patterns unless they have processed their past experience. On social media, many influencers share their experiences with unhealthy relationships, garnering millions of views. Last October, one topic dominated YouTube in Germany: toxic relationships. Psychologist Elias Ysen explained in an interview with the German press agency (dpa) that this term is used as a broad concept to describe stressful and dysfunctional relationships that can sometimes be violent. Ysen, in collaboration with his colleague Michael Brunhammer, runs an educational and preventive initiative on the Twitch platform. He mentioned that this topic concerns a large number of people, and negative relationship experiences are widespread. The term originates from the 1930s play 'Gas Light' by British author Patrick Hamilton, where a husband makes his wife doubt her sanity, even though he is the one responsible for the phenomena she observes. While Steuber warned against the overuse of these terms, Ysen said: 'I prefer that people talk about toxic relationships or depression and the like, sometimes inaccurately, and in the long run, that has an educational effect, rather than not talking about these things at all.'
