Some of us accept toxic behaviors from others on a daily basis to prevent confrontation or any kind of conflict. The truth is, we shouldn’t, as it’s negatively impacting our lives. Here are 19 toxic behaviors we need to stop accepting.
Gaslighting
Healthline reports, “Gaslighting refers to intentional attempts to manipulate you into doubting your feelings, perception of events, and reality in general.” Gaslighters love to manipulate others into doubting their own perceptions. They tend to create a sense of insecurity in their victims and are the kind of people who should be avoided at all costs.
Passive Aggressiveness
People who show passive-aggressive behavior can be toxic, and this isn’t something you should accept from anyone. They’re people who are often sarcastic, give backhanded compliments, or will even just give you the silent treatment. These people can be hard to communicate with and trust.
Blame Shifting
People don’t realize that toxic behavior happens when a person refuses to be accountable for their actions. When someone is in the wrong and avoids responsibility or even chooses to pass the blame to someone else, this is toxic. They often come across as very defensive and are hard to trust.
Stonewalling
When someone completely refuses to communicate or engage in a discussion, this is a clear toxic trait and a warning sign to remove them from your life. Treating you this way will lead to unresolved conflicts and emotional disconnection, which isn’t healthy in any kind of relationship.
Emotional Blackmail
Emotional blackmail can appear in a number of ways, so it’s important to look for the signs. According to PositivePsychology.com, people who are trying to emotionally blackmail you will often use guilt or fear to get what they want. They may even directly threaten you or give you an ultimatum to force you into a decision.
Chronic Lying
If you’re in any kind of relationship and someone is lying to you, this is toxic behavior. People tend to lie to avoid any possible consequences or gain an advantage over you. Lying tends to lead to more lies, and it makes these people really difficult to trust.
Criticism and Nitpicking
If you find yourself around someone who constantly nitpicks or criticizes you, this is toxic behavior. We can all benefit from constructive criticism, but if your flaws are always picked out by someone, this is bad for your self-esteem and is in no way constructive.
Narcissistic Behavior
Narcissists have a strong sense of self-importance and constantly seek admiration. They frequently manipulate people to meet their own needs and desires. These people are generally selfish, lack empathy, and have an attitude of entitlement, showing little concern for others.
Controlling Behavior
If you have any kind of relationship where someone is showing signs of controlling behavior, then this is a clear toxic trait. These kinds of people often try to dictate how others should behave, think, or feel. They may try to micromanage you or have excessive rules that you have to follow.
Jealousy
People who show signs of being jealous and envying others can have a toxic trait. They often feel threatened by other people’s success or relationships instead of being happy for them. This often causes them to become bitter and prevents them from having healthy relationships.
Playing the Victim
According to Psychology Today, “A person who plays the victim actively manipulates others by attention-seeking, inflicting guilt, and evading accountability.” If you have someone in your life who always tries to play the victim, then this is a sign that they’re toxic. These kinds of people are constantly seeking sympathy from others and tend to avoid personal growth.
Recklessness
Reckless behavior can be seen as toxic, as often, these kinds of people have little to no regard for other people. They engage in dangerous and irresponsible behavior without caring about the possible consequences, which can put not only themselves but also others at risk.
Cynicism
Cynics are people who assume the worst in people and situations. They find it hard to trust others and often have a negative attitude towards people in general. This can make it extremely difficult to build relationships and interactions with these kinds of people.
Excessive Pessimism
As mentioned by VeryWellMind, signs of pessimistic behavior include being surprised when things work out, imposter syndrome, and focusing on what may go wrong. People who are always pessimistic show toxic behavior, and it can often be really difficult to be around them.
Inflexibility
People who refuse to adapt to new situations or perspectives can be difficult to deal with. They have no interest in or desire to solve problems, and much prefer that things stay as they are. This can make relationships very difficult, as it can create tension.
Ignoring Boundaries
People who have no regard for others’ personal boundaries are toxic. These people often encroach on other people’s spaces, which can make people feel uncomfortable. It’s important to immediately raise this with someone so they know where you stand. If they continue to ignore your boundaries, it’s a clear sign of disrespect.
Holding Grudges
People who hold grudges against others are holding on to unnecessary negativity. By remaining resentful and angry towards someone, they remain stuck in the past, which prevents them from forgiving and moving forward. This toxic trait not only impacts their ability to have healthy relationships but can also negatively impact their mental health.
Self-Centeredness
Having any kind of relationship with someone who is self-centered can be extremely difficult. These kinds of people are extremely selfish, as they prioritize their own needs and desires over those of others. This can put a lot of strain on relationships, as the other party can often feel undervalued.
Attention Seeking
BetterHelp reports, “Unhealthy attention-seeking behaviors can damage relationships by exhausting the recipient(s) of the behaviors and making the connection feel inauthentic. These people are toxic, as they make every situation or scenario about themselves. This can make it extremely difficult to maintain even the simplest of relationships with them.
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