Do You Keep Toxic People Out of Your Life? by So family
As we go about our day, we come in contact with people from all walks of life. Some people energize us when we interact with them. We enjoy talking to them because their positive outlook on life leaves us filled with hope for the future. On the other hand, there are some people we deal with that leave us drained and feeling pessimistic. These individuals are aptly named “Toxic People” because interacting with them is akin to drinking a slow acting poison. To keep both yourself and your family in good mental, emotional, and physical health, it is important that you avoid these types of people as much as possible.

Limit Interaction With Them – The easiest way to keep toxic people out of your family’s life is to avoid them altogether. This can be simple or difficult depending on your relationship to them. It is easy enough to avoid the depressing phone calls of a relative who lives four states away. The toxic boss who hovers over your shoulder like a helicopter, on the other hand, is a little more challenging. Look for ways to avoid being in their company. For example, you could email your boss updates rather than meet with them in person.

Learn How to Diffuse Their Toxicity – Toxic people behave the way they do because they get something out of the interaction as well. Some just want attention. Others like the way people react to their nastiness and negativity. Find out what is fueling the toxic person’s behavior and avoid giving them what they want. For example, gossipers like the feeling of power that comes from spreading rumors and talking about other people’s personal business. Ignoring them, changing the subject, and even just not commenting on what they are saying will cause them to go elsewhere for their fix.

Confront Them – A toxic person will not change unless they want to. However, they may not know or understand how they behavior affects other people. Sometimes bringing it to their attention will be the catalyst they need to change their tune. If they continue to be toxic after you have spoken to them, then your next conversation should probably be an explanation as to why you have chosen to stop hanging around with them. Again this can be painful, particularly if you have known each other a long time. However, the quality of you and your family’s life is deeply impacted by the type of people you choose to be around. For your family’s health and wellbeing, choose wisely.