“A man’s strength is measured by how much he can carry physically, emotionally, and mentally.”
– WiL Turner
In life, we all meet people who influence us — some in good ways, and some in harmful ways.
As men trying to grow stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally, the people we deem closest to us contribute to our wellbeing more than we often realize. This is also true regarding toxic relationships, and how to identify signs of being in a toxic relationship. Toxic relationships can slow you down, drain your energy, cause mental and emotional distress. This kind of relationships can perpetuate other traumas which hinder your progress and healing. Letting go of toxic relationships isn’t easy, but it is one of the most important steps you can take for your health and internal peace.
In this blog, we’ll explore what a toxic relationship looks like, how they impact your life, and how to walk away from toxic relationships or even relationships that do not serve you with confidence, strength, clarity, and peace of mind.
What Is a Toxic Relationship?
A toxic relationship is one that harms your emotional, mental, or even physical health. It could be with a friend, a romantic partner, a co-worker, or even a family member. These relationships are often full of stress, blame, control, or guilt. Instead of building you up, they tear you down.
Here are signs you may be in a toxic relationship:
- You feel drained or anxious after spending time with them
- You feel criticized more than they support you
- They take you for granted
- Their thoughtfulness, gratitude, and efforts are not reciprocated
- They don’t respect your time, feelings, or boundaries
- They try to control your decisions
- They blame you for their problems
- They make you feel small, guilty, or afraid
Some toxic relationships are not so obvious abuse. Sometimes the signs are subtle — a friend who never supports your wins, social or emotional needs, or a partner who mocks your goals, or someone who always takes and never gives back. These also include relationships that are one sided.
Why Letting Go Is Hard
Letting go of a toxic relationship is not simple. We stay for many reasons — history, guilt, comfort, or fear of being alone. You may feel like walking away means giving up, or like you’re being cold or selfish.
But holding on to something that hurts you is not wise — it’s suffering.
You’re not meant to carry the weight people who constantly drag you down. You deserve to grow in an environment of respect, love, appreciation, consideration and support. If someone is blocking your growth or making you doubt yourself, it’s okay — and sometimes necessary — to walk away.
How Toxic Relationships Affect Men’s Health
Men are often taught to be tough, to “deal with it,” or to stay quiet when something doesn’t feel right. But ignoring emotional pain can be just as damaging as ignoring physical pain. Toxic relationships affect:
- Emotional and Mental health – leads to stress, anxiety, depression, and self-doubt
- Physical health – increase of blood pressure, lowering of immune function, causing sleep problems
- Motivation – prevents you from achieving certain life goals or believing in yourself
- Self-worth – causes you to question your value and strength
As a Men’s Health and Relationship coach, I’ve seen how emotional stress can stop even the strongest of men from feeling secure. confident in themselves or reaching their goals. Lifting weights is hard. But carrying emotional baggage is ten times harder. Letting go isn’t weakness. It doesn’t mean you failed — it’s self-respect.
How to Let Go with Strength
If any of these scenarios resonates with you. It is highly likely you are in a toxic relationship which requires you to do some deep soul searching on what more important. Your mental health or them? Here are some ways to begin the process to start letting go:
1. Accept the truth
Stop making excuses for their behavior. If someone keeps hurting you, it’s not a one-time thing. It’s a pattern. That being said, are these ruminating false narratives that you are telling yourself? It is important you are not overly reactive or have established unrealistic expectations of the relationship.
2. Set clear boundaries
Tell them what’s no longer okay. You don’t owe them a long explanation — just honesty and firmness.
3. Limit or cut off contact
In many cases, less contact (or no contact) is the best way to heal. Block them if needed. Protect your space.
4. Focus on your healing
Surround yourself with positive people. Pour your energy into fitness, learning, your career, and your goals.
5. Seek support
Talk to someone you trust — a friend, mentor, therapist, or coach. You don’t have to go through it alone.
What Happens When You Let Go
Letting go of toxic people frees up space in your life — for better energy, better relationships, and better growth. You start to feel lighter. You think more clearly. You sleep better. You feel more confident.
You also start attracting people who match your new energy — those who respect you, support you, and challenge you in the best way.
Your circle shapes your future. You don’t need a lot of people — just the right ones.
Healing Takes Time
After leaving a toxic relationship, you might feel lonely or lost at first. That’s normal. But that space is where your strength grows. Instead of rushing to fill the gap, use it to rebuild yourself.
Reconnect with your values. Set new goals. Focus on your fitness, your health, and your purpose. You’ll come back stronger than before — not just in body, but in mind and spirit.
Final Thoughts
Letting go of toxic relationships is one of the boldest moves a man can make. It takes courage to walk away from what feels familiar, even when it hurts you. But holding on to pain will never bring peace.
Your health matters. Your goals matter. Your happiness matters.
Life is too short to carry people who don’t walk with you. Surround yourself with those who lift you up. Be someone who lifts others too.
You are allowed to protect your peace.
You are allowed to choose better.
And you are strong enough to let go.
Ready to Let Go and Level Up?
If you’re done carrying the weight of toxic relationships and emotional stress, it’s time to shift the focus back to you. Join the FIITT 30-Day Men’s Fitness Challenge — a powerful experience that helps you rebuild strength, regain confidence, and reset your mindset through fitness, community, and expert guidance. This isn’t just about lifting weights — it’s about lifting yourself out of the things holding you back.
Take the first step toward a healthier, stronger version of you.
