I bet this topic resonates with many of you out there. Sadly, it appears that more and more people just bite other people's heads off, are rude, and are downright toxic. Maybe you are currently dealing with a toxic person in your life.
A toxic person is defined as someone who is extremely harsh, malicious, or harmful. Interestingly, the origin of the word, “toxic” comes from Late Latin toxicus, toxicum poison, from Greek toxikon arrow poison. Isn’t it interesting that in the Greek form toxikon, it refers to an arrow poison?
A toxic person definitely aims their verbal poison directly at their target in order to bring them down. A toxic person is definitely dealing with their own soup of misery for whatever reason. Their own personal hurts, however, should never affect another person.
So how do we handle these types of people? There certainly are some tips to navigate the minefield with these people:
1. Recognize the signs. Overbearing, egomaniacal, narcissistic, caustic, overtly rude, dismissive of others' feelings or opinions, will do whatever they need to in order to advance their own agenda, fake, and like to "love bomb" others to bring them over to their side.
2. Do not allow them to rob you of your joy. Many of us have heard this but when dealing with a toxic person, they absolutely love draining the life out of you. It is essential that once you recognize them, shut them down by giving them absolutely ZERO power. You can do this by dismissing their rotten attitudes. Do not allow them to get under your skin. Focus on maintaining your composure and lean into your community of encouragers.
3. Shut them down. The main thing the toxic person desires is a voice. When you shut them down, they are powerless. Once you recognize them, do whatever it takes to distance yourself from them. Do not engage as this fuels their fire. Ignore them, refuse to allow them to dominate, and look them right in the eyes as you stand YOUR ground.
Once the toxic person or the bully recognizes that you aren't impressed with them or that you won't tolerate their behavior, they typically slither away to find the next victim. It is when we stand together and stand firm against this type of person that we are victorious over them.
Currently, I am dealing with someone in my town who is so toxic that they spend an inordinate amount of time spreading rumors, gossip, and flat-out lies to anyone that will listen to them. Additionally, they love inserting themselves into conversations that are led with how great and wonderful they are. If you want to know anything about them, just give them about 1 minute and soon you will hear everything you need to know.
Life is too precious and short to be bullied. Continue to spend time focusing your energy on life-giving things such as kindness, fair play, and giving back to your community. And remember, don't allow them to steal your joy!
Make sure you fully LIV2DAY!
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