If you recognize these 7 behaviors, you’re dealing with a truly toxic person

There are some people who bring joy, positivity, and growth into our lives. But then there are those who drain us of energy, leaving us feeling depleted and stressed. We often describe such people as ‘toxic’.
If you’re asking yourself, “Am I dealing with a toxic person?” this article is for you.
Let’s dive into 7 behaviors that may indicate you’re dealing with a truly toxic person. It’s time to take back control and protect your peace.
1) They’re constantly playing the victim
You know those people who never seem to take responsibility for their actions?
That’s a classic sign of a toxic person.
They’ll twist every situation to appear as the victim, deflecting any blame from themselves onto others. It’s never their fault, at least in their minds.
This type of behavior can be exhausting to deal with. You’re left feeling like you’re walking on eggshells, always worried about saying or doing something that might “trigger” them.
Healthy relationships involve accountability and compromise.
2) They’re excessively negative
Have you ever been around someone who just can’t seem to find the silver lining in anything?
I had a friend. Let’s call her Jane.
Whenever we’d meet up for coffee, Jane would spend the entire time complaining about everything – her job, her family, even the weather. At first, I thought she was just venting, and I tried to be a supportive friend.
But over time, I realized this was her constant state of mind. It was draining. I’d leave our meetups feeling mentally exhausted, my own mood dampened by her negativity.
It took me a while to understand – constant negativity is a toxic trait. It’s okay to vent sometimes but being around an excessively negative person can start to affect your own happiness and well-being.
Look out for this sign. It can be subtle but impactful. The people you spend time with should lift you up, not bring you down.
3) They’re manipulative
Listen to this.
I once had a coworker, let’s call him Ben. Ben was charismatic, could talk his way out of any situation and had a knack for getting people to do what he wanted.
At first, I admired his social skills. But then something changed.
I noticed that Ben would use his charm to manipulate people into doing his work, or get them to agree with him, even when they initially didn’t. He was a master at pulling the strings behind the scenes, always ensuring he came out on top.
I felt used, like a pawn in his game. It was unsettling.
Manipulation can be hard to spot especially when it’s masked by charm and charisma. But if you feel like you’re constantly being maneuvered or used for someone else’s gain, that’s a major red flag.
Recognize it. Address it. Don’t let someone else pull your strings.
4) They’re overly critical
Constructive criticism is one thing. It helps us grow, improve, and see things from a different perspective.
But have you ever dealt with someone who only seems to have negative things to say about you or your work?
They never miss an opportunity to point out your flaws, belittle your achievements and make you feel less than. It’s like they take pleasure in tearing you down.
This behaviour isn’t just rude – it’s toxic. A person who is constantly critical without offering any positive or constructive feedback doesn’t respect or value you.
You deserve to be around people who appreciate and encourage you, not those who bring you down.
5) They’re never happy for your success
Did you know that genuine happiness for another person’s success is a sign of emotional maturity?
Unfortunately, not everyone possesses this trait.
This is a classic behavior of toxic individuals. They find it difficult to share in your joy, often because they are insecure or envious.
True friends celebrate with you in your moments of triumph. If someone consistently fails to be happy for your successes, it might be time to reconsider their place in your life.
6) They violate your boundaries
Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships. But not everyone respects these boundaries.
I remember a time when I made it clear to a friend that I was not available after 10 pm for calls or texts unless it was an emergency.
Despite knowing this, she would continuously send me messages well past my cutoff time, often for trivial matters. This lack of respect for my personal boundaries made me feel uncomfortable and disrespected.
Keep in mind: If someone consistently crosses your boundaries, it’s a sign of disregard for your personal space and feelings. It’s crucial to address this issue and, if necessary, distance yourself from such individuals.
7) They’re emotionally unavailable
In any relationship, emotional availability is key. It’s about being open, empathetic, and willing to connect on a deeper level.
But toxic individuals often struggle with this. They may avoid meaningful conversations, dismiss your feelings, or be incapable of offering emotional support when you need it the most.
Listen to me. You deserve someone who can be there for you emotionally.
Final thoughts
If you’re nodding along as you read through this list, it’s possible you’re dealing with a toxic person in your life. It can be a hard realization, but remember – understanding is the first step towards change.
You don’t have to tolerate toxic behavior. You deserve relationships that are based on respect, kindness, and mutual growth.
Start by setting clear boundaries. Communicate your needs and expectations. It might be uncomfortable initially, but it’s crucial for your well-being.
And if things don’t improve? It might be time to consider distancing yourself from this person.
Yes, it can be tough. But sometimes, we need to let go of the people who bring us down to make room for those who lift us up.
In the immortal words of Dr. Seuss, “Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”
So take a deep breath and take that step. You’ve got this. Reach out, seek support, and take care of yourself first. Because your well-being matters. Always.