Cutting toxic People From Your Life

Ahmad J. Naous Ph.D,CPSSE
2 min readSep 12, 2023

“Cutting toxic people” is a phrase that typically refers to removing individuals who have a negative and harmful influence from your life. Toxic people can exhibit various behaviors such as manipulation, constant negativity, emotional abuse, or other actions that are detrimental to your well-being. Here are some steps to consider when dealing with toxic individuals:

  1. Identify Toxic Relationships: Reflect on your relationships and identify the ones that consistently bring you stress, anxiety, or harm. These may include friendships, family members, or even coworkers.
  2. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to protect yourself from toxic behavior. Communicate your limits and expectations assertively but respectfully.
  3. Limit Contact: If possible, reduce or limit contact with toxic individuals. This might involve distancing yourself physically or emotionally from them.
  4. Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your experiences. They can provide valuable insights and emotional support during difficult times.
  5. Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities that promote your mental and emotional well-being. This may include meditation, exercise, hobbies, and spending time with positive people.
  6. Consider a Conversation: In some cases, it might be helpful to have an honest conversation with the toxic person about their behavior and its impact on you. However, this is not always advisable, especially if it could put you in harm’s way.
  7. Be Prepared for Resistance: Some toxic individuals may resist your efforts to distance yourself from them. They may guilt-trip you or escalate their behavior. Stay firm in your boundaries and seek support from others if needed.
  8. Cut Ties if Necessary: If a toxic relationship continues to harm your well-being despite your efforts, you may need to make the difficult decision to end the relationship completely. This can be challenging but can ultimately lead to a healthier and happier life.

Remember that it’s essential to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. Cutting toxic people out of your life is a step towards creating a more positive and fulfilling environment for yourself. However, it’s also important to approach this process with empathy and self-reflection, as well as seeking professional help if needed to cope with the emotional challenges that may arise.

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Ahmad J. Naous Ph.D,CPSSE

I am Humanitarian, Balanced Scorecard consultant and management educator, who helps managers and organizations learn from their past, understand the present .