• iconNews
  • videos
  • entertainment
  • Home
  • News
    • UK News
    • US News
    • Australia
    • Ireland
    • World News
    • Weird News
    • Viral News
    • Sport
    • Technology
    • Science
    • True Crime
    • Travel
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity
    • TV & Film
    • Netflix
    • Music
    • Gaming
    • TikTok
  • LAD Originals
    • Say Maaate to a Mate
    • Daily Ladness
    • Lad Files
    • UOKM8?
    • FreeToBe
    • Extinct
    • Citizen Reef
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube

LAD Entertainment

YouTube

LAD Stories

Submit Your Content
Psychologist warns saying 'toxic' phrase to your partner can cause 'irreparable' damage to your relationship

Home> Lifestyle

Published 19:47 16 May 2025 GMT+1

Psychologist warns saying 'toxic' phrase to your partner can cause 'irreparable' damage to your relationship

Dr Mark Travers says he's noticed that there's always one phrase that often crops up when couples are having a difficult time

Lucy Devine

Lucy Devine

A psychologist has warned about the one toxic phrase that can cause irreparable damage to your relationship.

We all know there are certain things you shouldn't say in an argument. After all, everybody says stuff they regret in the heat of the moment, but there are certain things that cannot be unsaid - no matter how tense the argument.

Now, one expert has explained that couples could entirely ruin their relationship by saying one particular 'toxic' phrase.

Advert

There's one phrase that could cause irreparable damage to your relationship (Getty Stock Photo)
There's one phrase that could cause irreparable damage to your relationship (Getty Stock Photo)

Dr Mark Travers says he's noticed that there's always one phrase that often crops up when couples are having a difficult time - and it's all to do with comparison.

As we know, comparison is the thief of joy, after all.

"There's one phrase I've seen come up in these exchanges that's more damaging than you think: 'Why can't you be more like [insert other person's name]'?"

Dr Travers calls this the 'death by comparison'. Writing for CNBC Make It, he added: "The real message will always remain the same: 'You're not enough, and someone else - anyone else - could do a better job at being my partner.'"

Advert

Travers says in a healthy relationship, couples should communicate 'without shame or comparison' adding: "Relationships require the willingness to love each other as real, flawed, irreplaceable humans - not as comparisons to someone else."

Comparison can be 'toxic' in relationships (Getty Stock Photo)
Comparison can be 'toxic' in relationships (Getty Stock Photo)

According to another expert, there's one clear sign that signals the end of most relationships.

In a Reddit thread titled 'What screams 'we are not going to last long' for couples?', users discussed the point in a relationship where there's no going back.

One person shared an insight that a marriage counsellor had told them.

Advert

They wrote: "I was at a party one time and there was a marriage counsellor there that had been working for 20-something years in couples counselling. I asked her what the number one sign was that the couple wasn't going to make it.

"Without hesitating, she said, 'If one person shows contempt for the other's feelings, it's over!'"

Another expert has explained the sign that signals the end of most relationships (Getty Stock Photo)
Another expert has explained the sign that signals the end of most relationships (Getty Stock Photo)

Others shared their own views, with one writing: "I think when you just don't care anymore. You don't care to fight with them. You don't care to be intimate. You don't care to make an effort."

Another said: "Asking friends if they think you should break up. At least for me this means you've made the decision you just want it backed up by someone."

Advert

And a third added: "If you find yourself fantasising about being single again. Your gut is right more often than you think."

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Photo

Topics: Mental Health, Sex and Relationships, Reddit

Lucy Devine
Lucy Devine

Advert

Advert

Advert

  • Therapists explain why you might be 'toxic independent' and how it can seriously impact your life
  • Psychiatrist reveals the one phrase that could save your relationship if you keep arguing with your partner
  • There's a worrying reason behind why some people enjoy watching true crime to relax, psychologist warns
  • Psychologist shares ‘grey rocking’ technique that means you can deal with narcissists in relationships

Choose your content:

7 hours ago
8 hours ago
12 hours ago
  • 7 hours ago

    Man shares receipt from breakfast at Disneyland for family of five that's left people in complete shock

    The dad was left stunned by the price of the 'Princess Breakfast' experience at Disneyland

    Lifestyle
  • 7 hours ago

    Pilot for major airline shares incredible amount of money he makes every flight

    He can make different amounts depending on the routes he flies

    Lifestyle
  • 8 hours ago

    Cruise ship worker who revealed 2025 payslip shares unique way all members get their salary

    It doesn't go into his own personal bank account

    Lifestyle
  • 12 hours ago

    £1 anti-hangover pill that ‘breaks down alcohol in 60 minutes’ explained ahead of Glastonbury Festival

    A go-to essential for anyone heading to the fields this summer

    Lifestyle