Relationships are classified as "difficult or toxic" when one person demands support but does not reciprocate. Research has revealed that the most toxic family relationships often involve female relatives.
Wives, mothers, and sisters have been identified as the most challenging to deal with, based on a study of over 12,000 different relationships. The reason may be that female relatives are more likely to be emotionally involved in people's lives. Professor Claude Fischer, the lead author of the study, stated: "The message here is that with females in the family, it can be a two-edged sword; they may be the family members you rely on the most, but also the ones who annoy you the most, which is a testament to their deeper engagement in social bonds."
It’s important to note that the study included more than 1,100 individuals who described over 12,000 relationships they were involved in. The results showed that people classified approximately 15% of their relationships as difficult and toxic, with these individuals often being female family members or elderly parents.
Young participants frequently described difficult relationships as follows:
- 30% with sisters
- 27% with wives
- 24% with mothers
Participants also reported difficult relationships with friends, but this only accounted for about 6%. Co-author Professor Shira Over said: "The results suggest that individuals with difficult relationships are likely to be found in contexts where people have less freedom to choose their partners. While relationships at work can be difficult, these individuals are not closely engaged in their lives, making it easier to avoid them compared to other family members."
