Quiz: Are You In a Toxic Relationship?
How do you know if you’re in a toxic relationship?
Toxic people of all kinds tend to be masters of deception, so if you are in a toxic relationship, it might be hard to tell.
Narcissists, sociopaths, and leeches abound have grown accustomed to using techniques such as gaslighting and blackmail to get their way, which can wreak havoc on your life -- not just in the short-term but long-term as well.
If you think you might be in a toxic relationship, it’s critical that you begin looking for signs now before any more damage is dealt.
Identifying the signs of a toxic relationship can be tough, so we’ve crafted a quick quiz which can help you uncover whether you’re in a toxic relationship.
Click below to take the quiz and post your results in the comments below:
You have a healthy relationship
Your relationship is looking good. You might have elements of toxicity, as any good relationship has things to work on, but both people are clearly making an effort and feel loved.
You might be in a toxic relationship
There are elements of toxicity in your relationship and it's either minimal or it's hard for you to tell just how toxic the other person is.
Review your answers and start to pay closer attention to those particular elements, there are either things you need to work on together or you need to get away from the other person -- fast.
You're in a toxic relationship
You're definitely in a toxic relationship and you should (probably) get out as fast as you can. There's really no other way to put it, toxic people can always turn over a new leaf but that's often just wishful -- nay, delusional -- thinking. Give them a chance to change, but at the first sign of the previous behaviors, book it for freedom.
Woman holding her child's clothing.Marla Branyan / @marla_branyan
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.