Put a frog in a vessel of water and start heating the water. As the temperature of the water rises, the frog is able to adjust its body temperature accordingly. The frog keeps on adjusting to an increase in temperature.
 
Just when the water is about to reach boiling point, the frog is not able to adjust anymore.
 
At that point, the frog decides to jump out.
 
The frog tries to jump but is unable to do so because it has lost all its strength in adjusting to the rising water temperature…
 
Very soon, the frog dies.
 
What killed the frog?
 
Many of us would say the boiling water killed it.
 
But the truth is, what killed the frog was its own inability to decide when it had to jump out.

We need to learn…

Sometimes one may be in a toxic relationship, workplace, or obnoxious situation without being aware of it, or one may be in a denial mode.

Research shows the damaging health effects of continuing a toxic relationship. For example, a 2021 study found that feelings of being harassed, bullied, or ostracized in a toxic workplace can lead to anxiety, burnout, depression, and stress.

The first step toward solving any problem is to look at it straight in the face. This is especially true for ending toxic relationships. To admit that one is in a toxic relationship may seem like a small step, but actually, it’s huge. It is like stepping across a canyon, from denial to acceptance.

An important factor to consider is that a toxic relationship or toxic workplace may have its perks or benefits. Like finances, they are shared, so one may not be able to afford to live alone. The boss may be toxic, but there are some perks. One may be in the 60s and everything is familiar; so how to start life anew?

One must see whether the perks are really worth the price. When analyzed rationally, one may realize that it is not. The analysis brings clarity.
 
We all need to adjust to people and situations, but we need to be sure when we need to adjust and when we need to confront or have a face-to-face, frank discussion and take appropriate action or simply get out of it.
 
If we allow people to exploit us physically, psychologically, emotionally, or financially, they will continue to do so.

“Toxic relationships are like quicksand. The more you struggle, the deeper you sink.” — Anna Ballard

Learn to say no and stop making excuses for their behaviour. 

“Stop setting yourself on fire to keep someone else warm.” — Unknown 

“If you aren’t happy being single, you won’t be happy in a relationship. Happiness comes from within, not from others.”

We have to decide when to jump.

Let us jump while we still have the strength.