Toxic people are everywhere. Some are your “friends” and some are your family. Some have no idea they are as toxic as they are, and others delight in the inevitable chaos that follows them. I know it’s impossible to avoid every toxic person out there, but there are a few, specifically, that you should avoid at all costs. Not only is being surrounded by toxic people brutal and stressful, it is actually pretty bad for your health. A study done at Friedrich Schiller University in Germany explained that when we expose ourselves to toxic stimuli (the kind that causes us to have strong negative emotions) we are introducing a major stress response in our brain. Being around these 8 types of toxic people can literally harm your mind and body.
1. The Know-it-all
This type of toxic person rarely knows they are toxic. They think that their competitive behavior, contrasting ideas, and acts of supremacy will somehow benefit others. It’s almost a psychological misconception of the worst kind. Their displayed arrogance is really just their insecurities shining through.
2. Judge-y Judy
An overly judgmental person will hinder you every step of the way. For example, take an idea you are passionate about. A judgmental person will lay out all the flaws they find, and try to crush your dreams. Don’t let them! Anyone who stifles your creativity and smothers your inner flame shouldn’t have a place in your life.
3. The Vampire
No, I’m not talking about people who enjoy wearing capes and fangs. I’m talking about those people who enter your vicinity and suck the life right out of you. You know the Dementors in the Harry Potter novels? J.K. Rowling created them based on the same exact type of negative person I am describing. These people impose their negativity and pessimism on anyone who will listen. Don’t listen. Your energy is yours, don’t give it away to one of these creatures.
4. The Manipulative “Friend”
Manipulating behavior is hard to deal with sometimes. These people will often act like your best buddy but they always have hidden motives for being so “kind.” If you look at a manipulative person’s “friendship” you will notice a lot of taking, but not a lot of giving on their end. The hardest thing to do, but the most effective, is to say no to these people. Then, they will remove themselves from your life. If you have nothing to offer them, they move on.
5. The Liar
That’s an easy one. Anyone who lies to you repeatedly doesn’t deserve your time. If someone can’t give you respect, to be honest with you, what else can you possibly expect from the relationship? There is nothing without the trust foundation. Liars don’t really care about your feelings and probably don’t care much about themselves either. Give them space to figure out what really matters in life- honesty and trust.