My eyes are being opened by this thread. I'd never considered some of the extremes that have been listed.

I think a more moderate, though equally harmful symptom is this:

being unable to be true to yourself, your dreams, your morals and values, your friendships or family, because of the bonds (as in chains) to a consistently unsupportive relationship.

You know you're in a toxic situation, when you begin to hold back parts of yourself from that person -- be it your aspirations or thoughts -- and when you have trouble seeing yourself progressing and growing while staying with that person.

Yes, I've been there. And, you'd be amazed at the types of people (and their offices and titles and positions) who can contribute negatively to a relationship.

I cannot be with someone who sucks the life out of me.

Hurts my soul!

it's tough to pry myself away when i genuinely care about that person's welfare..even if i know they're using my compassion to keep me reeled in.

i managed eventually, though.

I understand... compassion is so important, but it takes far longer to
come back to ones-self.

true. though i find that when i squeeze out of one of those situations, it's so gratifying to get to know myself again, and that i've even walked away with some knowledge, improvements and added maturity. not the most ideal way to come across those perks, but at least there IS gold at the end of the rainbow.