Lashing out constantly is a toxic trait that can really hurt your partner. More often than not, when you lash out, you are reacting from a place of intense emotion, like anger or frustration. This can lead to hurtful things being said or unfair, disrespectful, or even emotionally abusive behavior toward your partner. If you're constantly reacting with anger or aggression, your partner will start to feel afraid of your anger or become fearful of triggering any emotional reaction from you. It goes without saying that this is a horrible dynamic for anyone to feel in a relationship. "Your partner may start to withdraw or shut down," Raja drew a portrait for us. "Alternatively, you may find yourself getting into more and more arguments that escalate faster and further over time."

According to Raja, ongoing patterns of lashing out in a relationship are really damaging and, when taken to extremes, can even be a red flag for emotional abuse. "If you find yourself constantly reacting with anger or aggression, it's important to take a step back and reflect on your behavior," she said, providing a blueprint for reflection. "Are you being fair to your partner? Are you respecting their boundaries and needs? Are you communicating in a way that is respectful and empathetic?" She also noted that it may be worth seeking out the help of a therapist or counselor who can help you develop better communication, emotional regulation, and conflict-resolution skills.