Transformation #10-Avoiding Toxic People
My Own Experience: How I Learned to Recognize and Avoid Different Types of Toxic People
As I sit down to pen my experience, my mind wanders back to when I realized the power of courage and overcame the guilt of being entangled in toxic relationships. It was a life-changing journey that taught me how to identify and avoid different types of toxic people. Growing up, various personalities surrounded me, and it was difficult to differentiate between good and bad relationships. As a result, my emotional and mental well-being was negatively impacted. It took me a long time to recognize and understand the different types of toxic people and their behaviour. In this post, I will share my personal journey of recognizing and avoiding toxic people. In addition, I will offer tips and tricks that worked for me and recommend books, podcasts, and videos that helped me in my journey of personal growth.
Recognizing Toxic People: Different Types of Toxic Personalities
Navigating through life, I met various individuals with toxic personalities. Toxic people come in all forms – some are overt, while others are more subtle. The different types of toxic characters that I have encountered include:
· The Manipulator: Manipulative individuals use deception, coercion, or intimidation to control others. They have hidden agendas and will stop at nothing to get what they want.
· The Victim: Individuals with a victim mentality often blame others for their problems and refuse to take responsibility for their actions. They seek sympathy and attention, and their presence can be emotionally draining.
· The Narcissist: These individuals are self-absorbed, lack empathy, and have a grandiose sense of self-importance. They are attention seekers and will go to any lengths to obtain validation.
Recognizing Toxic Behaviours: Signs to Look Out For
Recognizing toxic behaviours is critical in avoiding toxic people. Constant criticism, manipulation, gaslighting, bullying, and belittling are some behaviours to look out for. Toxic people often exhibit controlling behaviour and try to dominate others. They lack empathy and are self-centred. They blame others for their mistakes and lack accountability.
The Impact of Toxic People on Mental Health
Toxic people can significantly impact an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. Being around toxic people can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. As a result, an individual may experience constant stress, feel drained, and be exhausted. Toxic people can also cause feelings of guilt and self-blame, leading to a loss of self-worth and confidence.
Coping with Toxic People at Work, School, Family, Friends, and in Personal Relationships
Dealing with toxic people can be challenging, especially if they are family members, close friends, or coworkers. However, it is essential to set boundaries and communicate assertively. It is crucial to understand that you cannot change a toxic person, and it is not your responsibility to fix them. Avoid engaging in their toxic behaviour and practice self-care. Seeking support from a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional is also crucial.
My journey to Finding Courage and Overcoming Guilt
During my transformation journey to becoming Roj, I used to feel guilty in front of toxic people. However, I eventually realized that I was not responsible for their behaviour and could not change them. I found courage and strength in setting boundaries and removing myself from toxic situations. I learned to prioritize my mental and emotional well-being and started engaging in self-care practices.
Experimented Tips and Tricks to Avoid Toxic People
Here are some tips and tricks that I experimented with to avoid toxic people:
- Identify toxic people and their behaviours and avoid engaging with them.
- Surround yourself with positive people who uplift and support you.
- Practice self-care and engage in activities that bring you joy.
- Set boundaries and communicate assertively.
- Offer compassion, but don’t try to fix them.
- Remember, you aren’t at fault.
- Don’t expect change!
- Understand the cycle!
Recommended Videos, Books, and Podcasts That Have Helped Me on My Journey:
Eliminating Toxic People from Your Life: When It’s Necessary
While trying to avoid toxic people is essential, sometimes it’s necessary to eliminate them from your life entirely. This can be a difficult decision, but it’s essential to prioritize your well-being. For example, if the person is causing you more harm than good, it may be time to say goodbye.
Living a Happy Life Without Toxic People: Conclusion
Toxic people can have a profound impact on your mental health and well-being. It’s crucial to recognize toxic behaviours and set boundaries to protect yourself. Remember that your mental health should always come first. Don’t be afraid to eliminate toxic people from your life if necessary. By surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people, practicing self-care, and trusting your instincts, you can live a happy, healthy life free from toxic people. Ultimately, the only way to win with toxic people is not to play.
Bibliography:
Smith, J. (2022, March 15). The Mental Health Effects of Toxic People. Wanderdolls. https://wanderdolls.com/the-mental-health-effects-of-toxic-people/
Saint Twenty. (2022, June 20). Types of Toxic People to Ditch. Retrieved from https://sainttwenty.com/2022/06/20/types-of-toxic-people-to-ditch/