Why You Keep Choosing Toxic Partners (And How to Finally Break the Cycle)

Why You Keep Choosing Toxic Partners (And How to Finally Break the Cycle)

From Powerfully Broken by Barbara L Parker MA, LPCC-S, CEO

April 10, 2026 · 13 min

About this episode

The episode explores why individuals repeatedly choose toxic partners and offers practical advice on breaking the cycle.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why do I keep ending up with the same kind of partner?” this conversation goes straight to the root. We talk about how toxic relationship patterns can feel like comfort, why familiarity is so hard to let go of, and how fear can pull you right back into a dynamic you swore you were done with. With therapist and relationship expert Alicia Gilmore, we get practical about what actually helps you break the cycle and protect your mental health. We also challenge one...

People in this episode

Host: Barbara L Parker

Guest: Alicia Gilmore

Topics covered

  • toxic relationships
  • mental health
  • relationship patterns
  • breaking the cycle
  • comfort in familiarity

Keywords

  • toxic partners
  • relationship expert
  • mental health
  • fear in relationships
  • comfort zones

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