“People inspire you, or they drain you. Pick them wisely.”
Hans F Hasen
Have you ever recognized any harmful patterns of behaviour in your friends, family or even yourself? BEWARE! They might be toxic traits.
In our day-to-day life, we come across several people and knowingly or unknowingly, our aura is affected by them. That’s why it is time to recognize such toxic traits in ourselves and others so that we can address them!
Toxic traits you must recognize
Toxic traits are simply negative patterns of behaviour or personality that can harm oneself or others. They can manifest in various ways, such as in the form of negative attitudes, behaviours, and actions that can create a harmful or uncomfortable environment. Read below to learn about the most common ones.
The pessimist
This is the person who always has something negative to say. They tend to focus on the negative aspects of a situation or conversation, and their negativity can bring down the mood of those around them.
The judgmental
This is the person who always judges you and others. They tend to have a critical eye and may be quick to point out flaws or mistakes. Their constant judgment can create a sense of discomfort or defensiveness in others.
The know it all
This is the person who always thinks they are right. They may interrupt others or dismiss their opinions and can be difficult to work with or have a conversation with because of their lack of openness to new ideas or perspectives.
The complainer
This is the person who complains about everything and anything. They may focus on the negative aspects of a situation rather than finding solutions, and their constant complaining can be draining for those around them.
The controller
This is the person who tries to control everything you do. They may micromanage, give unsolicited advice, or try to make decisions for others. Their need for control can create a sense of unease or tension in relationships.
The manipulator
This is the person who tries to manipulate others for their own benefit. They may use tactics such as guilt-tripping, gaslighting, or lying to get what they want. Their behaviour can be harmful to others and can create a sense of distrust and unease in relationships.
The gossiper
This is the person who spreads rumours or talks negatively about others behind their back. They may do this to feel superior or to create drama, and their behaviour can damage relationships and hurt others.
The aggressor
This is the person who uses physical or verbal aggression to intimidate or control others. Their behaviour can be violent or threatening and can create a sense of fear or anxiety for those around them.
The narcissist
This is the person who is overly self-centred and lacks empathy for others. They may have an inflated sense of self-importance and may disregard the feelings or needs of others in order to satisfy their own desires.
The victim
This is the person who constantly plays the victim and refuses to take responsibility for their own actions. They may use their status as a victim to manipulate or guilt others, and their behaviour can be draining or frustrating for those around them.
The enabler
This is the person who enables toxic behaviour in themselves or others, often by making excuses or justifying harmful actions. They may do this to avoid conflict or to maintain a sense of peace, but their behaviour can be harmful in the long run by allowing toxic behaviour to continue unchecked.
Why avoid such traits?
Toxic traits make it difficult to build healthy relationships. Moreover, engaging in toxic behaviour or consistently being around individuals with toxic traits can have a negative impact on one’s mental health, leading to anxiety or depression.
Not only this, but toxic relationships can also have a negative impact on one’s physical health. It can lead to chronic stress, which can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of physical illnesses.
It is crucial to prioritize yourself and eliminate toxicity from your life. Toxic behaviour doesn’t go away easily and it can often turn into manipulation. Therefore, you should always stand your ground and set boundaries to keep you from accidentally slipping back into old habits or people.
Dispute Resolution Clinic
We get it, life can be complicated! But we are here to help. ❤️
Whether you’re experiencing issues on or off campus, we’re here to coach you on how to address conflict in your life through the Dispute Resolution Clinic (DRC). Our DRC representatives can guide you through some of the hardships you may be facing and possibly help you navigate conversations where toxic traits may be present while keeping everything entirely confidential. You can choose free in-person or virtual meetings according to your comfort.
And remember, always take the steps you need, to take care of yourself.
Header photo courtesy of Vinícius Vieira ft from Pexels.
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