We have all encountered plenty of toxic people throughout our lives, and I’m sure we all even have some within our close circle. These people stress you out, make you miserable, and just all around aren’t good people to have in your life. Some people may not even realize they are doing these things, and others thrive off of negativity. That’s why it’s essential to stay away from toxic people whenever possible.
Learning how to handle toxic people is a valuable life skill to possess. You will notice an improvement in your overall stress level and happiness when you manage to keep a distance from such individuals. So, here are some general guidelines to help you deal with the toxic people in your life and avoid them altogether, reinforcing the importance of staying away from them for your well-being.
1. Stay away from people whose only topic of discussion is gossip
We’re all guilty of gossiping every once in a while, so don’t go de-friending everyone if you notice them gossiping. But pay attention to what conversations you have with your friends. What kinds of things do they talk about? Are they just talking about other people? If you notice someone is a gossip-only talker, try to steer the conversation elsewhere and see what happens. If she starts somehow gossiping again, you may want to reevaluate your friendship with her.
2. Gravitate towards people who are nice to everyone, not just you
Have friends who are nice to you but slam everyone behind their backs? They probably do the same to you. These people are not really your friends. Find people to be around who are nice to everyone, these people are usually genuine and will have your back.
3. Addressing Unconscious Toxicity: Help them see the light
Sometimes people don’t even realize how damaging their behavior is to other people. Of course, some thrive on it, but others genuinely don’t realize they are doing something wrong. If you have a family member or someone who you are close with that you’ve known for a long time that’s starting to have a negative impact on your life, talk to them and tell them how you’ve been feeling (and the sooner, the better).
4. Don’t mirror their toxic behavior
Like stated above, if you do have someone in your life that is toxic to you that you can’t just drop like a hat, don’t get angry with them. Mirroring their behavior and being negative back to them isn’t going to fix the problem. Getting angry, loud, and arguing will only damage the situation more. Be positive to these people! It’s what they need!
5. Reflect on the relationship
Think about the relationship you have with that person. How long have you known them? How close are you really? What do you talk about when you are together? Are you making excuses for them? It’s understandable not to want to lose a friend, but this is the most important step. Reflecting on your relationships will force you to realize who you really should keep in your life, what relationships you should work on, and who needs to be shown the door.
What do you think?
taking the time to reflect on your relationships and identify the toxic elements can significantly improve your well-being and happiness. So, what do you think? How do you deal with toxic relationships? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. Let’s learn from one another and work together to create a healthier, more supportive environment for ourselves and those around us.
Hi, this is some really great advice! Thanks so much for sharing. I’ve found that toxic people can negatively impact the lives of others in so many ways. Gossiping wastes time and energy.
The article is very enlightening