In simplest terms, a toxic person is someone whose behavior adds stress and negativity to your life. In many cases, we ask ourselves, "why are they behaving this way? How did they become so toxic? Like most things, the answer to these questions is usually there. Traumatic events often lead to people exhibiting toxic behavior instead of dealing with those events. Trauma and stress are not typically processed healthily by these people, so they become unpleasant around others.
Although toxicity is not considered a mental condition, some mental problems, such as bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or borderline personality disorder, may be the root of toxic conduct.
Believe it or not, everyone comes across toxic people from time to time. These individuals bring you down with their words and deeds instead of lifting you up. They are the people who drain your energy instead of filling your tank. These are the ones who make you feel like crap instead of feeling good about yourself. If you've ever encountered a toxic person, you know how draining and damaging they can be. Nothing is worse than having someone in your life who brings you down and doesn't support you in reaching your goals. Unfortunately, toxic people come in all shapes and sizes, so identifying them and protecting yourself from their negative influence is crucial.
Don't Take Everything They Say At Face Value.
We can't stress this enough! Toxic people often try to manipulate you into believing that you are at fault for the problems in their lives. They might make you think that you're not a good friend or aren't a good fit for your profession. Whatever toxic people tell you, don't take their words at face value. If a toxic person constantly blames you for their problems, you need to remove them from your life as soon as possible. Toxic people often use negative language to describe themselves and their lives, so if someone's words are filled with cynicism and negativity, they may be toxic. Toxic people often want you to feel sorry for them, so always be careful not to take their self-loathing and negativity at face value. You don't want to be sucked into their pity party.
Set Boundaries And Stick To Them.
One of the best ways to deal with toxic people is to set boundaries and stick to them. If a toxic friend is always borrowing money without repaying you, stop lending it to them. If a toxic colleague always asks you to do things outside your job description, then set clear boundaries with them. You shouldn't tolerate toxic people who try to take advantage of you. You shouldn't allow toxic people to walk all over you and manipulate you. Setting boundaries and sticking to them is crucial for protecting your energy and health. If a toxic person is trying to push you to your limits, then setting boundaries is the only way to protect yourself and your sanity. If a toxic person crosses the line, don't hesitate to cut them off.
Ask Yourself: Is This A Person You Want In Your Life?
If a toxic person is constantly telling you that you're not good enough, that you're not a good friend, or that you are not cut out for your job, then ask yourself if this person is someone you want in your life. Any toxic person who makes you feel bad about yourself should be removed from your life. Toxic people often judge you and your choices, so if someone constantly puts you down, they probably don't deserve a place in your life. If a toxic person is constantly criticizing and putting you down, they are also constantly putting themselves down.
Surround Yourself With Positive People Only.
If you're in a toxic relationship, a toxic friendship, or a toxic work environment, then make the decision to walk away. Make a choice to surround yourself with positive people only. You deserve to be around people who inspire and motivate you, not those who bring you down. If you are in a toxic relationship, press the eject button as soon as possible. If you are in a toxic friendship, don't try to make it work. If you're in a toxic work environment, decide to find a new job. Don't let toxic people suck the life out of you. Let go of them and surround yourself with positive people only.
Develop A Thick Skin.
You're probably feeling negative energy when you're constantly around toxic people. It's essential to develop a thick skin and block out all negativity. People are critical of others because they are critical of themselves. Don't take it to heart if a toxic person constantly criticizes and puts you down. Keep the toxic person at arm's length. Don't take their criticism and negativity to heart. Don't allow toxic people to get under your skin.
Don't Be Afraid To End Relationships.
If you're in a toxic relationship, if you're in a toxic friendship, or if you're in a toxic work environment, then don't be afraid to walk away. Toxic relationships, friendships, and work environments will only bring you down, so don't be afraid to end them. Remember that you don't deserve to be in toxic relationships. Remember that you deserve to be around positive, supportive people only.
Take Care Of Yourself First.
Self-care is crucial if you want to deal with toxic people. You must prioritize your health and well-being, so you don't let toxic people get to you. Take time to relax, meditate, and practice yoga or pilates to let go of toxic people and their energy more quickly. Take time to be productive and create only good things in your life. Take time to eat a healthy diet, get enough good sleep, and exercise regularly, so you're mentally and physically healthy. Toxic people feed off your energy, so you must be at your best to protect yourself from their negative influence.
What Should You Do If You Are A Toxic Person?
To stop being toxic, here are a few things you can do if you recognize that your behavior is toxic and you are willing to work on yourself:
- Take note of your actions and yourself
- Keep your values in mind and adhere to them
- Make sure you listen well
- You need to be compassionate and empathetic
- Prioritize thinking overreacting
- Take your ego out of the equation
- Be accountable and vulnerable
- Don't hesitate to ask for help
Conclusion
People who bring you down are toxic, but that doesn't mean they're bad people. Everyone has toxic moments and toxic episodes, so if someone is toxic to you, it doesn't mean they are a terrible person. Toxic people just need to grow and change. If you ever find yourself dealing with a toxic person, don't be afraid to put some distance between you and them. You don't have to be friends with everyone nor be tied down to a toxic relationship or situation.