Some people can suck the happiness right out of you. People are toxic in different ways, and some of them have multiple traits. Here are just a few of the top offenders:
- The Critic: Sure, constructive criticism can be a good thing, but some people feel the need to criticize everything/everyone around them. They choose not to be happy for others and cut others down instead.
- The Victim: These people are experts at blaming their problems on everyone/everything else. They will not take ownership for their own choices or mistakes. Nothing is ever their fault. Other people or their upbringing are to blame.
- Negative Nancy: These are the people who are always anxious, pessimistic, worried, and complain a lot. It's easy to get caught up in their rantings and be drawn into the negative spiral. There should be a vaccination for this one!
- The Short Fuse: This is that person that goes into an instant outburst or worse, they are looking for a fight all the time. You're always walking on egg shells hoping you don't set them off.
- The Guilt Trip: Some people lay on the guilt using it to manipulate you into doing something.
I've been through training from top motivational speakers, I read/listen to a lot of self improvement, and I know and follow a lot of successful people. One of the things they all insist on is eliminating toxic relationships. If someone is damaging you, it's time to take some protective measures. If someone was bullying, manipulating, or cutting down your child, would you allow it to continue? Of course not! Then why do you let others do that to YOU?! I know that many of us (me included) don't like confrontation, but when you cut out the toxic people from your life, a ginormous weight will be lifted!
In some cases, it's really simple to cut out the toxic people. On Facebook, you can just unfriend or even block them! Did you realize that? It's YOUR wall. Make it a positive place to visit! Someone keeps making snide comments? Delete the comments! If it continues, block them! Bam!
In real life, it's not quite so easy. There are some people we have to deal with on a regular basis such as co-workers, family, etc. Set boundaries for what you'll accept and what you won't accept. If they step over the boundary, explain to them how you feel. Some people might not even realize they're being negative, using guilt trips, or even hurtful! Also, find ways that you can spend less time near that person.
Just the opposite: surround yourself with positive, inspirational people that lift you up and push you to be better! When you surround yourself with these people, your whole outlook on life changes, you feel like you can do anything, and you learn to follow your dreams! And when your life is filled with so much positive energy, it's easier to block out the negative.
And keep in mind, that by setting boundaries, learning to say no, cutting out the negative, and surrounding yourself with positive people, you are also teaching your children to do the same.
In real life, it's not quite so easy. There are some people we have to deal with on a regular basis such as co-workers, family, etc. Set boundaries for what you'll accept and what you won't accept. If they step over the boundary, explain to them how you feel. Some people might not even realize they're being negative, using guilt trips, or even hurtful! Also, find ways that you can spend less time near that person.
Just the opposite: surround yourself with positive, inspirational people that lift you up and push you to be better! When you surround yourself with these people, your whole outlook on life changes, you feel like you can do anything, and you learn to follow your dreams! And when your life is filled with so much positive energy, it's easier to block out the negative.
And keep in mind, that by setting boundaries, learning to say no, cutting out the negative, and surrounding yourself with positive people, you are also teaching your children to do the same.
