Today, I’m grateful for recognizing toxic people including myself.
A toxic person is one that makes another person feel unsupported, misunderstood, demeaned, or attacked. On a basic level, any relationship that makes you feel worse rather than better can become toxic over time.
Toxic relationships can exist in just about any context, from the playground to the boardroom to the bedroom. You may even deal with toxic relationships among your family members.
At one point in time I was so toxic that I was creating toxicity in the relationship. Therapy helped but someone bringing it to my attention was the key.
It's important to recognize the signs of toxicity—whether it's in you or in the other person. Here are some signs of toxic behaviors.
Toxic Behavior
* Insecure
* Jealous
* Negative
* Self-centered
* Selfish
* Critical
* Demeaning
* Distrusting
* Abusive
* Disrespectful
It's important to note that toxic relationships are not limited to romantic relationships. They exist in families, in the workplace, and among friend groups—and they can be extremely stressful, especially if the toxicity isn't effectively managed.
During the holidays people find themselves surrounded by toxic people aka family members.
While not every toxic relationship can be avoided, especially among co-workers or a family member, they can be managed with healthy boundaries, self-care, and awareness.
When dealing with any type of toxic relationship, it's important to focus on your health and well-being. Consequently, if you're dealing with someone who drains you of your energy and happiness, consider removing them from your life, or at least limiting your time spent with them. And, if you're experiencing emotional or physical abuse, get help right away.
My mental health and well-being is most important so I’m quick to
cut / remove a toxic person from my space no matter if they are family, friends, or a co-worker.
Stop allowing toxic people in your space.
Love should never cost you your peace. It should never cost you your joy. It should never cost you your happiness. If there’s more negative in the situation than positive, something has to change.
Society often makes you wonder whether it is morally and ethically right to cut ties with a toxic family member. But it is never about what is right or wrong as it is a very subjective issue. What matters here is what is best for you and your mental health. Some people behave the way they do because that is how they are.
Having toxic family members can be emotionally draining and make you feel angry, sad, betrayed, guilty, hurt and confused.
They may have a narcissistic personality or they may like to feel superior by putting you down. But it is not about them, it is about YOU. It is about you taking charge of your life. It is about refusing to accept abuse and negativity in your life. It is about creating your own happiness. And the unfortunate fact is, once you cut ties with the toxic person, they will find someone else to abuse and feed the ego. Even though it may create a void in your life, cutting ties will not make any significant difference in theirs.
So instead of putting up with the toxicity on a daily basis, define what behavior is acceptable for you and remove the rest, protect yourself.
As a business owner, I have standards - what I will and won’t allow from clients, vendor partners, colleagues, my team, and myself
Why can’t we apply the same concept to our own life.
What are your standards to help you protect your well-being?