Not every difficult season means you’re in toxic love – Counsellor Adofoli explains

Relationship counsellor Adofoli has clarified the distinction between toxic love and a challenging phase in a relationship, emphasizing that not every obstacle indicates toxicity. On Joy Prime’s Changes show, discussing “Toxic Love or Difficult Season? Knowing the Difference,” Adofoli noted that many couples mistake a tough period for a toxic dynamic, leading them to exit too soon or remain too long when they should part ways.

According to Adofoli, a difficult season is a brief episode where couples encounter external stressors like financial strain, job loss, family issues, or health concerns. During these times, love and respect persist, albeit with communication difficulties. In contrast, toxic love is persistent and cyclical, marked by control, manipulation, consistent disrespect, emotional or physical abuse, and a lack of accountability.

Adofoli explained that during a difficult season, couples confront the issue together, while in toxic love, they battle each other. He outlined signs of toxic behavior, including constant criticism that erodes self-esteem, isolation from loved ones, gaslighting, refusal to apologize, and a pervasive sense of being drained and anxious rather than feeling safe in the relationship.

Adofoli advised that difficult seasons demand patience, communication, and counseling, whereas toxic love necessitates setting boundaries and, in some cases, severing ties. He warned that if one must forfeit their identity to maintain the relationship, it is time to walk away. He urged couples to seek professional counseling early and to cultivate emotional intelligence to navigate difficult times without becoming toxic themselves.