In our daily lives, we come across all kinds of people – some who make us feel happy and energized, while others who drain our energy and leave us feeling unhappy. Toxic people fall into the latter category – individuals who spread negativity, drama, and toxicity wherever they go. Being around a toxic person can be emotionally and mentally exhausting, and it is never fun to be one yourself. In this blog, I will explore what a toxic person is, why it is not great to be one, and how you can become a better, non-toxic person.
What is a toxic person?
A toxic person is someone who exerts a negative influence on others. They are the kind of people who create unnecessary drama, constantly criticize, and put others down. They tend to be selfish, manipulative, and controlling, and often engage in behavior that is hurtful to others.
Toxic people come in many forms – they can be family members, friends, colleagues, or even strangers we encounter on a daily basis. Some common traits of toxic people include:
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They are always negative: Toxic people have a negative outlook on life and tend to focus on the negative aspects of every situation. They complain constantly and often find fault with others. Even when something good happens, they always find a way to make it negative. They never appreciate the little beautiful things in life.
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They are manipulative: Toxic people often manipulate others to get what they want. They may use guilt, fear, or intimidation to control others. They gaslight other people, making them question if everything was their fault. People are afraid to say something about it because they fear this person would come after them.
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They are judgmental: Toxic people are quick to judge and criticize others. They may make fun of others, gossip, or spread rumours. They are always looking at and judging other people instead of looking at themselves.
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They lack empathy: Toxic people are often self-centred and lack empathy for others. They are unable to see things from other people’s perspectives and may not care how their actions affect others. They care about themselves and less about others. When they hurt someone and this person is visibly hurt, they turn it into a joke. Making it worse.
Why it is not great to be toxic
Being a toxic person is not a desirable trait. It can ruin relationships, cause stress and anxiety, and make life difficult for yourself and those around you. Toxic behaviour can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, and it can be hard to form meaningful connections with others. Additionally, toxic behaviour can have a negative impact on your mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
How to stop being a toxic person
If you recognize that you have some toxic traits and want to become a non-toxic person, here are some tips to help you get started:
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Practice self-awareness: The first step to becoming a non-toxic person is to be aware of your own behaviour. Take some time to reflect on your actions and how they may be affecting those around you. Keep a journal and reflect at the end of the day. Ask yourself what you could have done better.
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Be kind to yourself: Self-compassion is an important part of becoming a non-toxic person. Be kind to yourself, forgive yourself for past mistakes, and focus on self-improvement. But also don’t forget to take care of yourself. Make sure you get enough sleep, drink enough water and eat healthy. I am a different person when after a good night of sleep. With the lack of sleep, most people turn into sleep-deprived monsters.
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Practice empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Practice empathy by putting yourself in other people’s shoes and considering their perspectives. Ask the other people how they are feeling and really listen to them. If they have problems, try to listen and/or help.
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Communicate effectively: Good communication is key to building healthy relationships. Practice active listening, avoid interrupting others, and express yourself clearly and respectfully. If you never let anyone finish their sentences, the others probably think you are rude. Just listen, and if they are finished talking, then you can say something.
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Take responsibility for your actions: If you have hurt someone in the past, take responsibility for your actions and make amends. Apologize sincerely and take steps to make things right. We love to point to others and things when something goes wrong in our lives. We never take responsibility for our own actions. But you are the creator of your own life. You decide how you react, the things you do and most of the things in your life. If you did something wrong, own it.
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Practice gratitude: Gratitude is the practice of acknowledging the good things in your life. Practice gratitude by focusing on the positive aspects of your life and expressing gratitude to those around you. Gratitude makes you a better person because it shifts your mindset from a negative perspective to a more positive perspective.
Overall, being a non-toxic person is a worthwhile goal to strive for. It requires self-awareness, empathy, effective communication, and taking responsibility for your actions. By practicing these traits, you can become a better, nicer person, and build healthy, meaningful relationships with those around you.Photo by Omar Lopez on Unsplash