The quality of a relationship can be just as toxic to your health as hazardous chemicals. While all relationships have conflict, toxic friends, family members, partners, etc., can lead to stress, anxiety, depression and physical medical problems.
THE HEALTHY WAYS TO DEAL WITH TOXIC PEOPLE ARE TO:
1. Learn to identify the toxic relationship by answering a few questions:
- After spending time with this person do you feel drained of energy?
- Is there an equal “give and take,” or are you always doing the giving?
- Are you comfortable being yourself around this person?
- Do you feel hurt, taken advantage of or used?
2. Believe that you deserve to be treated differently. Surround yourself with positive people and a support system.
- Seek insight and assistance from healthy relationships not emotionally invested in the situation.
3. Take control of your happiness by controlling what you can and eliminating what you can’t.
- Establish boundaries. Set limits and distance yourself when necessary.
- Don’t get sucked in. If someone’s behavior is irrational, don’t allow yourself to respond emotionally. A great response is, “I’m sorry you feel that way.”
- Don’t give them power over you. Allow your self-worth to come from within.