Seven Signs of Toxic People and Relationships
Seven Signs of Toxic People and Relationships
We all face toxic people in our lives from time to time. I grew up in a dysfunctional family of toxic people. They drain your energy and bring you down. These difficult individuals can wreak havoc on your life in all sorts of ways. They can be hard to recognize, though. This is especially true with people who’ve been in your life for a long time. You get used to certain patterns and behaviors from long-term connections. It can be hard to pinpoint the ways in which these folks might be making your life harder.
Take a look below for seven signs of toxic people and relationships. These tips will help you to identify the negative individuals in your life so you can begin to set boundaries with them.
- Self-Centered
Do you have a person in your life who only wants to focus on herself? These folks may talk about themselves incessantly, fail to listen to your issues or never even seem to consider you at all. Interacting with these folks is often frustrating and unfulfilling.
- Judgmental
The judgmental individuals always have something critical to say about others, but they never seem to take a look at their own flaws. They may gossip. Often, they may even criticize you. It’s amazing how people will talk about you behind your back; I witnessed it for years, even in my own family when sisters gossip about another sister calling her names and poking fun of her. It can take a toll on your emotional well-being and self-esteem or even drive a wedge in your relationships.
- Controlling
If you have a controlling person in your life, you may feel like your choices are not your own. Controlling people find ways, both direct and indirect, to keep you in your place. You’ll find that your lack of free will can be isolating and damaging. It’s important to set clear self-boundaries, be clear on your values and desires, and be intentional with your choices.
- Exhausting
Some people are just exhausting to be around in general. They may worry too much, complain constantly, be conceited or find other ways to suck your energy. These vampires make you feel tired or on-edge every time you’re around them.
- Arrogant
Your arrogant friends or partner always think they’re right. They push their opinions on you as if they are facts, and they make every interaction into a challenge. They don’t see you as an equal. Their presence can leave you feeling less than and resentful.
- Manipulative
Manipulative people use subtle tactics to get their own way. They may divert attention to another topic, use gaslighting to make you think you’re crazy, use false logic or become overly defensive in order to play on your feelings. Manipulators always end up portraying themselves as the protagonist in an unnecessary battle. You rarely win.
- Jealous
Jealous people exhibit their insecurity in a number of ways, all of which are unhealthy. They’re never happy for your accomplishments. They become defensive if you show interest in other people. These individuals steal your happiness and fulfillment.
These are seven common types of toxic people. There are definitely other kinds. However, this list should help you to identify some of the more problematic individuals in your life so that you can begin to set boundaries and formulate a strategy for protecting yourself.
Self-awareness and mindfulness are essential when you begin to evaluate the people around you and the relationships you have with them. It’s important to establish a strategy that allows you to be intentional and continue to pursue your personal and professional goals.
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own...the coaching programs I have been developed to help you find clarity, confidence, and success. You can learn more at www.lisamcgrath.me or reach out to me at [email protected].
Until next time...
Lisa
P.S. Have you identified any toxic people in your life? What are you doing to set your own personal and professional boundaries? If you’re confused, frustrated, and in need of clarity, reach out to me. As an Achievement Coach, I help individuals find clarity, discover purpose, and create the intentions that get them the experience of accomplishing their goals.
The life philosophy of A House With Four Rooms suggests thinking of yourself as being four rooms: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual rooms. It advocates for doing something daily for your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.