14 Traits of Toxic People: How to Avoid Becoming a Victim
“Like arsenic, toxic people will slowly kill you. They kill your positive spirit and play with your mind and emotions. The only cure is to let them go.” — Denisse Lisseth
Do you know someone who consistently makes you feel bad about yourself? Makes you feel like you can’t do anything right? Drains your energy and leaves you feeling exhausted? If so, then you are likely dealing with a toxic person.
Toxic people can be incredibly damaging to our mental and emotional health, so it’s important to learn how to identify them and protect ourselves from their toxicity. In this blog post, we will discuss the traits of toxic people and how to avoid becoming a victim of their abuse.
First, it’s important to note that there is a big difference between someone who is going through a tough time and takes it out on those around them versus someone who is toxic and deliberately tries to make those around them feel bad. The latter is who we will be discussing.
1. They are incredibly negative
Toxic people see the world through a lens of negativity and pessimism, They are also quick to find fault in others. This negativity can be draining and exhausting, leaving us feeling depleted after spending time with them.
2. They are manipulative
Toxic people often try to control our behavior or emotions by guilt-tripping us, playing on our fears, or making false promises. This manipulation can be very confusing and upsetting, leaving us feeling off-balance and uncertain.
3. They are dishonest
Toxic people often lie or withhold information in order to control us or get what they want. This dishonesty can be very confusing and hurtful, leaving us feeling betrayed and deceived.
4. They are always the victim
Toxic people see themselves as victims, even when it’s clear that they are not. They may play the victim card in order to gain our sympathy or get us to do what they want. This victim mentality can be very frustrating, leaving us feeling angry and powerless.
5. They are always right
Toxic people believe that they are always right, even when they are clearly wrong. They may refuse to listen to reason or facts, and they may become defensive and even aggressive when challenged. This rigidity can be very frustrating, leaving us feeling helpless and hopeless.
6. They are never accountable
Toxic people never take responsibility for their actions or words. They may make excuses, blame others, or gaslight us into believing that we are the ones who are wrong. This lack of accountability can be very maddening, leaving us feeling frustrated and powerless.
7. They lack empathy for others
Toxic people often lack empathy for others, and they may be callous, insensitive, and even cruel. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. This lack of empathy can be very hurtful, leaving us feeling isolated and alone.
8. They are reckless
Toxic people often take risks that are dangerous to themselves and others. They often push boundaries and test limits and may engage in risky behaviors without regard for the consequences. This recklessness can be very dangerous, leaving us feeling scared and unprotected.
9. They have a short fuse
Toxic people are often quick to anger. They may explode into anger over small things. This anger can be very destructive, leaving us feeling scared and vulnerable.
10. They are always in competition with others
Toxic people often see others as rivals or competitors, and they may try to one-up or outdo them. This need to compete can be very exhausting, leaving us feeling drained and defeated.
11. They are always in need of attention
Toxic people often need constant attention and validation, and they may become needy or demanding. This attention-seeking behavior can be very draining, leaving us feeling resentful and used.
12. They are always trying to control the situation
Toxic people often try to control every situation, and they may be bossy or domineering. This need for control can be very frustrating, leaving us feeling powerless and trapped.
13. They are always putting others down
Toxic people often put others down. They do it in a way that seems funny at first, but after a while, you realize that they’re just trying to make themselves feel better by making others feel bad. This behavior can be very hurtful, leaving us feeling inferior and worthless.
14. They are always trying to start drama
Toxic people often try to stir up drama, and they may be argumentative or combative. This drama-seeking behavior can be very exhausting, leaving us feeling drained and stressed.
How to protect yourself from a toxic person
Toxic people can be found in all walks of life. They’re often charming and charismatic, so they can be hard to spot at first. As they can devastate your mental and emotional health, it’s important to know how to deal with them and also to protect yourself from their abuse. Here are a few suggestions.
- Set boundaries — This means that you need to be clear about what you will and will not tolerate from them. It also means that you need to be assertive in enforcing these boundaries. For example, if they are constantly putting you down, you may need to tell them that you will not tolerate that kind of language and walk away from them if they continue.
- Limit your contact with the toxic person as much as possible - If you find yourself regularly feeling bad after spending time with someone, it might be time to take a step back and assess This may mean ending the relationship entirely.
- Make sure to take care of yourself emotionally and physically - This includes maintaining healthy relationships with supportive people, eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep.
- Seek professional help if you are struggling to cope with the toxicity. A therapist can help you understand and deal with the toxic person in your life.
Final thoughts
You have a right to be treated with respect, and you deserve to feel safe and happy in your relationships. If someone is making you feel otherwise, then it is time to stand up for yourself and walk away. Remember toxic people rarely change their behavior, nor do they want to. Also, you can't change people, only yourself.
