Main signs of toxic relationships in a family are identified

Regular pressure, guilt-tripping, and devaluation from loved ones may indicate toxic family relationships. The main distinguishing feature of this psychological phenomenon lies in its chronic nature, clinical psychologist Ksenia Savelyeva told "Izvestia."

"A normal conflict is an episode that has a resolution and doesn't undermine the foundation of the relationship. Toxic relationships are the system itself, destructive and repetitive," she explained.

The most alarming signals of toxic family relationships, she said, are regular devaluation of feelings and decisions, emotional blackmail, violation of personal boundaries, and lack of empathy.

The feeling of guilt most often prevents a person from limiting communication with such relatives.