Unfortunately, many of us have people in our lives who have toxic personality traits. Maybe they poke fun at the way you look, maybe manipulate, or just blind anyone’s boundaries.
You don’t have to put up with toxic behaviour. Here’s how to recognise and navigate toxicity in your life.
How to spot toxicity:
Experts say there are two types of toxic people. The first is aggressively toxic, tending to be physically and mentally abusive.
The other kind is consumed with disrespect and negativity in their own life, making them difficult to be around.
Psychologist Dr Chloe Carmichael said via Newsweek: “[It's] like an active alcoholic who just wants to sit and complain about how terrible their life is, but they refuse to accept any help.”
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How to deal with them:
Experts say dealing with toxic people is a challenge because when they trigger your emotions, you’re not only coping with the present situation but memories of previous altercations as well.
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Set boundaries. To protect yourself, it's crucial that you know yourself well. Experts say self-understanding can empower you to recognise when someone is being manipulative or insulting.
“This self-knowledge includes your morals, values, and a keen awareness of your triggers,” said Dr Chloe.
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