"These are angry, abusive and unhappy people who feel compelled to take out their anger and unhappiness on those around them.They will never humble themselves and admit wrong because, in their own minds, they have no problems. The problem is always, always with everyone around them who fails to meet their expectations and insatiable desires. Toxic people are known by the turmoil they create around them. Whether it is a family member, spouse, co-worker, fellow church member, neighbor or someone else, these people are able to inflict considerable pain in the people they hurt. They are not happy unless there is drama and intrigue and strife in progress. They seem to take pleasure in creating chaos where there is peace, and in hurting those who are otherwise happy by finding their weakest, most vulnerable area. Toxic people drain the life out of those around them." (source: http://ingridschlueter.wordpress.com/2009/03/05/dealing-with-toxic-people/)
Unfortunately, too many of us are dealing with toxic people in our lives. Is there someone who sticks out in your mind while reading that? If so, I am sorry. I know how much havoc a toxic person can cause to someone else. These strategies helped me deal with the toxic people in my life, and I hope it helps you, too.
Here are some useful websites:
Life is so very precious and too short to be anything but happy. I know that I am making a pledge to myself, my husband, and to my children to not allow toxic people to affect the life we have worked so hard to attain and maintain.
Great post - and great blog! Dealing with people who engage in toxic behaviors is challenging. Teaching and loving and supporting people who are learning to deal with those who engage in toxic behaviors can be hard work, too (and heartbreaking). Kudos to every person who helps others learn to deal! The Schaffers are those kind of people...so glad and others like you chose teaching! - Although it is not a book specifically about how to deal with toxic people, Brene Brown's (2012) book Daring Greatly: How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead is right in line with the post above.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words, Kerri! I will definitely check out the book suggestion.
ReplyDeleteOh friend, I could have used this post about a year ago! It could have helped me through a lot of unneccessary worry about people who refuse to change the toxicity in their own lives! Loved the links.
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