"If you grew up with a toxic parent, a toxic sibling or other close family member, you are likely more vulnerable to toxic relationships as an adult."
According to an article in Psychology Today, there are ways of dealing with a toxic person.
First of all, how do you know you are in a toxic relationship?
Here are some signs:
- When you see the person, you come away feeling down on yourself
- You are plagued by guilt in the relationship
- The other person is focused mostly on getting his/her own needs met
- You often feel manipulated or controlled, one-down, or shamed
- The other person repeatedly hurts you, and then expects you to act as if nothing happened
You can do something about it . . .
Read the article to get the detailed explanations of strategies that may help you:
- Never let them pull you down to their level. Fighting back at their level will not work and you will end up feeling guilty.
- Stop caring so much. Protect yourself!
- Become more self-focused. It’s very likely that caring too little about yourself made you vulnerable to your person in the first place. Begin to think more about how you feel and what you need.
- Stop falling for games and manipulations and stop participating. Take your power back.
- Be cordial. Being cordial gives you the upper hand in a healthy, non-toxic way.
- Hold him/her responsible for their actions. Be sure to do this in your own mind, at least.
- Distancing and set your boundaries. Emotionally or physically, or preferably both.
- Live well. If the toxic person is someone who will always be in your life, then your goal is to thrive in spite of the toxins. Make good choices and protect yourself!
Don't ever forget that you deserve to be treated fairly, respectfully and honestly at all times, by all people . . . anything less is unacceptable!
