Are YOU a toxic woman? Experts reveal 7 signs you’re manipulating the men in your life – after Love Island row

• Experts have revealed the habits which could indicate toxic femininity
• Read more: Love Island in row as women reduce male contestants to tears

Experts have revealed the seven signs associated with ‘toxic femininity’ to look out for – including those who play the victim and have an obsession with perfectionism.

In recent weeks Love Island has been embroiled in a ‘toxic femininity’ row after women on the show reduced some of the male contestants to tears.

Fans have complained to Ofcom about the behaviour of the female contestants, accusing them of double standards by condemning the men for actions that they themselves have been guilty of.

And earlier today, Mankind Initiative called on show bosses to ensure they offer the same duty of care they would to female contestants. 

Professionals told FEMAIL women can identity if they are expressing toxic femininity in a number of different ways. 

As Love Island is embroiled in a row over toxic femininity, experts have revealed the characteristics associated with the condition to look out for – including playing the victim and an obsession with perfectionism

Lifestyle expert Karine Laudort explained: ‘Toxic femininity refers to a set of negative behavioral traits associated with traditional gender roles and societal expectations placed on women.’

Meanwhile Justin Donne, an Equality, Diversity, Inclusion Expert, said: ‘Some of the behaviours or traits that may be associated with toxic femininity include manipulation, gossiping, cattiness, passive-aggressiveness, and using one’s femininity as a means of power or control. 

‘These behaviours can be harmful and damaging to others, particularly in social or workplace contexts.’

Karine told FEMAIL there are seven different habits associated with toxic femininity, including passive-aggressiveness.

She explained this behavior involves expressing negative emotions in an indirect and subtle manner, rather than addressing the issue directly.

Meanwhile she revealed another sign involved ‘gossiping’, saying this involved ‘talking negatively about other people behind their backs, often to make oneself feel superior or to gain social power.’

A further two habits include playing the victim, which can mean blaming others for personal problems or misfortunes, and portraying oneself as helpless or powerless, as well as manipulation, using emotional or psychological tactics to control others and get what one wants.

Meanwhile she said those who express high levels of toxic femininity also set ‘impossibly high standards for oneself and others’ and become ‘excessively critical or judgmental when those standards are not met.’

Upsetting: A men’s domestic abuse charity has called on Love Island to ‘apply the same standards to men’ after the girls were accused of ‘gaslighting and manipulation’ (pictured: Shaq Muhammad being consoled by Tom Clare after Tanya Manhenga left him in tears)

Tension: Tanya Manhenga, 22, (pictured) Olivia Hawkins, 27, and Australian Jessie Wynter , 26, are widely considered the ringleaders in the villa

The sixth habit listed was ‘jealousy’, with Karine explaining people can ‘use this as a reason to undermine or sabotage’ others.

Finally, she said those who have high levels of toxic femininity have ‘unrealistic expectations of femininity.’

She explained they ‘believe that women should conform to a narrow set of standards for beauty, behavior, and personality, and judging those who do not.’

However Justin said it was important to note that these behaviours can be ‘exhibited by people of any gender and should not be solely attributed to women’. 

‘Additionally, it is essential to approach these behaviours with empathy and understanding, as they may stem from societal pressures and expectations placed on women to conform to certain gender roles.

‘Rather than focusing on negative and harmful traits, it is more productive to promote positive behaviours and traits that benefit everyone, regardless of gender.

‘This includes qualities such as empathy, kindness, honesty, and inclusivity.’  

The seven habits associated with toxic femininity  

1. Passive-aggressiveness: This behavior involves expressing negative emotions in an indirect and subtle manner, rather than addressing the issue directly.

2. Gossiping: Talking negatively about other people behind their backs, often to make oneself feel superior or to gain social power.

3. Playing the victim: Blaming others for personal problems or misfortunes, and portraying oneself as helpless or powerless.

4. Manipulation: Using emotional or psychological tactics to control others and get what one wants.

5. Perfectionism: Setting impossibly high standards for oneself and others, and becoming excessively critical or judgmental when those standards are not met.

6. Jealousy: Feeling envious or resentful of others’ successes or possessions, and using this as a reason to undermine or sabotage them.

7. Unrealistic expectations of femininity: Believing that women should conform to a narrow set of standards for beauty, behavior, and personality, and judging those who do not.

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