2 Your Health: Toxic People: How They Affect Our Relationships

Dr. Rose Bricker

What exactly defines a “toxic person”? Do you get a gut feeling that things aren’t right when you engage with certain people? Do you leave the situation or encounter with feelings of confusion, or anger, or that you are being used, manipulated, belittled, and hurt? This type of interaction never feels good! These interactions can keep you from finding your own peace, joy, and contentment. Is that what you want in your life in 2024?

A toxic person often has one or several of the following traits:

• Monopolizes conversations, is extremely opinionated

• Constantly seeks approval and reassurance, afraid to be alone

• Intense fear of abandonment, wants to be the center of attention

• Believes they are superior, is callous and disrespectful of others

• Exaggerates achievements or talents, persistently lies or deceives to exploit and hurt others

• Creates drama, violates the rights of others, lacks empathy for others, and lacks remorse for harming others

• Fails to consider the negative consequences of behaviors or learn from them

• Expects to be given special favors, behaves in an arrogant way

• May seem fake or shallow, has difficulty maintaining relationships

• Takes advantage, manipulates, and belittles others

• Is sarcastic, bitter, pessimistic, and/or has a negative view of life

These are some, but not all, of the traits to define a toxic person, but you get the idea!

If you are in a relationship with a toxic person, either romantically or with a family member or co-worker, you can learn how to recognize the toxic behaviors, learn how to set boundaries to protect yourself, communicate in a healthy and assertive way, and prioritize your well-being. This is the way to find your peace, joy, and contentment! You are worth it!

Call me at 520-815-6901 to schedule a 30-minute complimentary meet-and-greet appointment. My company is Blue Lemon Therapy and Coaching, LLC. My website is bluelemonhealthandwellness.com. I’m located at the Blue Lemon Health and Wellness office located at 10132 N. Oracle Road, Suite 160, Oro Valley, AZ 85704 (in the business park behind Fairfield Inn in Oro Valley).