“One thing we don’t know is how accurate people’s perceptions are,” Joel adds. “It could be the person is overestimating how committed the other partner is and how painful the break up would be.”

Toxic relationships: the stats

The University of Utah research, and reasons behind it, might not sound groundbreaking but a Yougov survey in 2015 found that a whopping 6 in 10 people have stayed in relationships they didn’t find fulfilling.

And the 2031 people surveyed in that poll stated the most common reason for hanging around in an unfulfilling relationship was because they’re used to compromising.

What do the professionals make of all this? Speaking to VICE magazine, psychotherapist Kimberly Hershenson explains that, for many of us, we’re afraid to call it quits. Not only do we doubt we’ll find someone new, we’re also scared of starting from the beginning again.

And, when we enter into a toxic relationship, our partner can use this fear against us.

Recounting a recurring worry of some of her clients, “’My boyfriend says I’m never going to find anybody else, is that true?”, Hershenson points out that if someone tells you this, and you even so much as half-believe them, then something is clearly wrong.

Manipulation tactics such as these are a form of coercive control, Hersheson adds, although many of us will avoid acknowledging the situation – however toxic.

“Subconsciously, people think they can change other people and fix them,” she explains. “The thought of having to date again, have the first kiss again, and have sex again for the first time” can be really intimidating.

“If we love and care greatly for someone and they show us affection, we believe that they love and care for us back.”

The real reason we stay in relationships that are bad for us