How do I cope with toxic people in my life?

Do you have a toxic person in your life?

Draining and difficult people can be a real challenge and can feel hopeless at times. You may have a toxic friend and not even realize it.

Maybe it's a family member or a friend or even a coworker at your work place. Do you dread going to work each day because of it? Do you feel trapped in a toxic environment?

What are the signs of a toxic person?

They try to manipulate and control you.
They are needy and make strong demands on your attention.
They are extremely critical of themselves and other people.
They are unwilling to seek help or try to change.
They are extremely disrespectful and always seem to get their way.
They are jealous, critical and judgmental
They create chaos
Point fingers
Avoid taking blame

Jealous people are incredibly toxic because they have so much self-hate that they can’t be happy for anyone around them. And typically, their jealousy comes out as judgment, criticism, or gossip. According to them, everyone else is wrong, just not cool, or lacking in some way. If someone starts to gossip jealously about other people, watch out, this might be a toxic person and you never know what they say about you behind your back.

Toxic people will find a way to create drama and manipulate and sow seeds of instability to make themselves look better. They will make you feel like it's always you that did something wrong and always accusing. They are usually unhappy with their appearance or, their life and are picking on you to validate their own negative feelings about themselves.

Realize Their Behavior Comes From Their Own Issues

Instead of assuming that the way a toxic person treats you is unique just to you, realize they will treat everyone the same way. It’s them, not you.

If you know someone who is dictating the emotional atmosphere you are in, they are toxic. If you are suffering because of their attitude, then ask yourself, “Do I need this person in my life"?

When you delete toxic people from your environment it becomes a lot easier to breathe. If the circumstances warrant it, leave these people behind and move on when you must. Seriously, be strong and know when enough is enough! Letting go of toxic people doesn’t mean you hate them, or that you wish them harm; it simply means you care about your own well-being.

Limit the Time That You Spend with Toxic Individuals

If the toxic person is a close relative or friend, you may find it easier to spend less time with them. After all, if you only see a toxic individual once in a blue moon, their hurtful behavior or words will have far less impact on your life, then if you were to spend time with them every week.

Be firm

Toxic people want their own way at any cost. So you’ll need to stand your ground when dealing with them. If you’re not giving them what they want, they’ll try all kinds of ways and manipulating tactics to make you feel like it's your fault. So be prepared and be firm.

Set Boundaries

Boundaries are important but they will resist them. They often take advantage of people with poorly defined boundaries and low self-assertiveness. They have a tendency to want to control others as well as situations. But ... you can set limits on the things you can control. Don’t invest too much time or effort with them. Keep interactions brief and the topics light. They will be listening for anything you say that they can twist and turn around to make themselves look better. Be firm but be kind and always say nice things about someone else to be a positive influence around them.

Here are some steps to help you maintain better boundaries:

Avoid getting swept up in the emotional turmoil of toxic people.
Pay attention to what you feel and need.
Give yourself permission to be firm.
Do not feel guilty for having to establish a firm boundary.
Taking care of yourself is also important.
Do not neglecting yourself in favor of others.
Learn that saying no doesn't make you a bad person.

Know when it’s time to cut ties with toxic people. Being around people that continually bring negativity into your life is not healthy for your well being and your own sanity!

Instead, spend time with people who encourage you, do activities that energize you and push you toward success.

At the end of the day, you may need to end your relationship with the person if it's toxic. Cutting people out of your life can be a painful exercise, but in the case of toxic people, short-term pain can be healthier than long-term pain. Keeping toxic people in your life can mess with your self-esteem, your emotional balance, and your other relationships. It may be time to plan your exit.

Work with a therapist

If you have to stay involved with the person, consider getting help from a mental health professional. Therapists are trained to help people work through difficult situations like these and can offer compassionate, judgment-free support that fits your circumstances.

Spend time with people who encourage you, do activities that energize you and push you toward success.

Toxicity is contagious but ... positivity is also contagious. Stay productive. Don’t focus on problems, but on solutions. Successful people rise above negative energy.hey will not let toxic people bring them down. They will not give into their toxicity.

Control your emotions. Don’t let other people change the way you feel. Although it may be difficult, sometimes, the best way to deal with a toxic person is by cutting ties with them.

By removing toxic people and behavior from your life, it will be easier for you to focus on your own wants and desires, your own dreams and become a winner and an influencer.

Surround yourself with good intelligent, kind-hearted, positive, loving people.

People who build you up and have your best interest.

People who have vision and who are thinkers and people who see greatness in you. People that make you laugh and feel happy and nourish your soul.

People who will not suck the energy out of you or make you feel drained after having spent time with them. Your life is too important for anything less.