6 Common Traits of Toxic People

As we’ve noticed by now, not everyone is a delight to be around. This doesn’t make them a bad person necessarily; it just means that they don’t necessarily serve as a healthy influence.

Even stating that someone is toxic can be a bit harsh; however, if a person displays behavior that has a negative impact on us in any way, it is unhealthy (toxic) for us. Quite frankly, we shouldn’t have to subject ourselves to someone else’s toxicity. Despite our tendency to want to give someone the benefit of the doubt, it’s not mandatory that we do so.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A TOXIC PERSON? WE’VE COME UP WITH 6…

1. Talk More Than They Listen

A major indication that someone is toxic is that they are unable to hold a normal conversation. If someone talks and hardly listens or, even worse, doesn’t listen at all, they may be toxic to you.

2. Playing the Victim

Accountability is a sign of a healthy person, but frequent blame and the inability to take responsibility is a sign of a toxic person. Take note whether this person blames their problems on other people or some situation. Likewise, do they seem to always blame their own mistakes on others or the situation? If so, they may be toxic.

3. They're Always Judging People

Ever been somewhere and heard a toxic person make a rude comment about someone in the room that they’ve never even met? It’s weird and shocking at the same time – weird because it’s so out of nowhere and shocking because 99% of people don’t do that.

But some toxic people will say they have the magical ability to innately “feel” when something is wrong with someone else. Worse yet is when they make a crack on someone else’s physical appearance.

4. They Always See Themselves as The Definitive Realists.

Phrases such as “get real,” “come to your senses” and “I told you so” live on the edge of their lips. Although these sentiments may at times be warranted, toxic individuals derive a sense of unmistakable pleasure from uttering them.

They will swear they’re doing you a favor or saving you in some way, but not one ounce of compassion will drip from their words. Condescension paired with satisfaction is their hallmark. Always pay attention to the energy beneath someone’s words. Toxicity is always palpable.

5. They Νever Seem to Give You a Straight Answer.

Simple questions require simply answers. If you find that someone is always avoiding discussions or topics that actually matter in your relationship (even ones that don’t really matter), they are either hiding something or are unable to have this type of conversation. Both are equal warning signs.

6. They are never wrong.

Different than the above point about accepting responsibility for their actions – toxic people also refuse to change their opinions based on new information or ever admit that they are wrong about something. This prevents them from growing intellectually and emotionally because they think they already know everything, so what’s left to learn? Equally as important though, it prevents you from having meaningful communication with them.

References

http://personalitybuzz.com/17-ways-to-spot-a-toxic-person-in-your-life/

https://www.powerofpositivity.com/toxic-person-signs-in-your-life/

https://jamesmsama.com/2014/09/24/10-warning-signs-of-toxic-people/