How To Tell If People Are Toxic

Look, we’ve all been in a situation where we’ve had to stop and think to ourselves is this person toxic or am I in a toxic situation/relationship. Some of us even think we might be the toxic ones.The real question is how can we tell. Whether it’s friends, family or significant others there are tell-tale signs that you should be looking out for. 

Here are some signs in case you were wondering…

Constant Negativity–

If someone is always consistently being negative towards you or someone you know to purposely put them down, it might be time to put that relationship down. Remember there is a difference between constructive criticism and negativity. We do not accept any negativity on this side!

Manipulation-

Oh my god when I tell you this honestly should be the first thing you should be looking out for because to me this is the number one sign of a toxic person. Manipulation can come in all different forms whether its twisting situations to benefit themselves, guilt tripping or gas lighting none of these are acceptable. Please run as fast as you can if you experience any forms of manipulation, these are not the type of people you want around you.

Excessive Jealousy or Competitiveness-

No its not normal for your mom to be jealous of you or your best friend always trying to one up you. People who genuinely are unable to be happy for you or others’ successes are literally the definition of a toxic person. 

Lack of Accountability-

See this one can be often brushed over as someone who is just “stubborn” but the truth is someone who can’t take responsibility for their own actions but are always the first to point the finger are people you don’t want to surround yourself with. It is so easy to get caught up in toxic cycles with these kinds of people. 

Lack of Empathy– 

As an empathetic person myself I wouldn’t want to be involved with these kinds of people. People who lack empathy are always insensitive towards others and dismissing your feelings. They honestly only care about themselves, so in the long run it’s not even worth involving yourself with someone like this. 

Disrespecting your Boundaries–

Might be last but certainly not least. This one is so important because no matter what this can pertain to anyone around you. Whether it’s a friend, classmate, boyfriend, dad, sister, someone who is ignoring your limits, pushing you into uncomfortable situations, or not respecting your time is the biggest red flag of a toxic person. Never and I mean ever give up your own boundaries for an inch of someone else’s comfort, approval, or convenience. Your well-being comes first—always.

After reading these you might be thinking it’s time to reevaluate some of those relationships now but hey at least you know now how to tell if that person is toxic!

Written by GUADS intern Natalie