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Some days they offer good advice and others are overly critical. You can’t pinpoint it but have an inkling the relationship is going south and would be better if you went separate ways.
In more ways than one these individuals become toxic to your life and will continue to be so, unless you take a stand. Here are a few things you can expect to hear from them when misery needs company.
1. It’s too complicated
Maybe because they’re afraid of leaving the status quo, or the thought of failing before others isn’t worth the risk. The truth is, toxic people will always see the bad in unfamiliar territories because they lack the vision and ambition.
Don’t be surprised when common occurrences like exercising are labeled as excessive or taking a calculated risk and starting a business suddenly becomes a rogue concept.
In their simple minds, it’s their way or the highway.
2. You have changed
When the relationship was all about them after all, any changes they can’t agree with is unfathomable.
This could be a simple request to spend more time alone if you need a break from the routine, and a change of pace it what’s called for.
Toxic people don’t see it this way. Because they live in a self-absorbed universe, both fear of losing you and the thought of having no audience suddenly becomes reality.
No matter how much shame they try to inflict on you, it’s important to know change is good and essential for growth. If your friend can’t see it this way, cutting ties may be necessary to keep your sanity and priorities in check.
3. Everything is about you
Toxic people have a tendency to be manipulative in ways you wouldn’t imagine. Funny thing is what you assume to be a balanced relationship becomes skewed the moment you decide to take it upon yourself to do what’s best for your life.
The toxic friend sees this as a selfish move only because they have selfish motives. There never has or will be anything wrong with doing what’s best for your life, as long as you keep a healthy balance of empathy and interest for those you engage with.
4. Their life is perfect
You would think toxic people are the greatest gifts on this earth. Well, maybe because in their heads they are. Along the line of constantly judging others and comparing lives, a sense of infallibility follows them.
No mistakes are ever made, nor are they wrong for any part of the conversation.
Even more, conversations quickly begin to lose steam because no matter what the subject is, it will always circle back to them. They are constantly the center of attention and the last to show consideration or support for anyone.
This couldn’t be further from the truth and could very easily be a hurt or sensitive person masquerading as the opposite.
The best remedy for this event is slowly walking away from the toxicity, leaving his or her boastful mindset to someone else. Your time is valuable and the choices you make are irreversible. Don’t waste another moment with someone who takes it for granted.
5. You will regret this decision
This is my favorite of all quotes because it’s the complete opposite when speaking to a person on a mission. Continuing to play the guilt trip and as a last ditch effort to keep you down, toxic people will hammer you with negative speak until you surrender. Don’t fall for it.
Circling back to my first quote, you know the risk you are taking and plan on managing it well. Coupled with your 100% commitment, you have several reasons not to let failure consume your thoughts.
This is a weak ploy and a false one at that because failure is only true for those who give up.
In the end, toxic people are more common than you think and difficult to remove from your life. As challenging the task may be, it’s essential to nip the relationship in the bud and seek good people with the great intentions.
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