A lot of times, when the conversation centers around toxic people, we tend to look outside ourselves. However, we are just as susceptible to becoming unintentionally toxic as anyone else.
In many cases, we are biased towards ourselves. Unless you take the time to look at yourself and your behaviors, actions, and tendencies, it will be hard to see that you are the toxic person in your own life. That might be a hard pill to swallow, but it’s very important to realize and accept if you ever want to grow.
A toxic person is someone that displays behaviors and actions that can negatively impact those around them. And there is a line to be drawn between being and acting toxic. Thankfully, with a little bit of self-awareness, if you recognize your behaviors are toxic and truly want to do better, you can.
1. You are highly critical of others.
You tend to call people out for their flaws and hold people and their behaviors under a microscope. Even the slightest thing can be a reason for you to dismiss a person entirely. The thing about this is, that everyone is human, and we all are imperfect. While you might fear letting anyone get close to you that might cause you harm, when you begin to criticize and judge everyone- it can become toxic, fast.
2. You tend to believe you are superior to others.
Your way is always the best, at least in your mind. Whenever anyone fails, it must be because they didn’t do things the right way, or your way. You are quick to belittle people and poke fun at their achievements. And when it comes down to it- you think you are superior to everyone else.
3. You complain all the time.
You tend to point out the negative in every situation, and nothing is ever up to your standards. From the food at the local eatery, to the cool chill in the air-every word that comes out of your mouth is a complaint you have about your life or situation.
4. You are controlling or emotionally manipulative.
In relationships, friendships, and everything in between, you are quite controlling. For example, you may tend to take charge and try to micromanage everyone in your friend group or work team. In your relationship, you cannot stand for your partner to do anything that you are not in agreement with, even if it isn’t outright disrespect to you. When you don’t get your way, you use emotional manipulation.
5. You act like a victim.
You may have very well been victimized in your life at one point, but the thing is- when you are always the victim, there is a deeper problem. This might not be something you want to hear, but it’s likely you need to: if you are always the victim, then it’s likely you are the problem.
6. You never apologize for your wrongdoing.
Whenever someone says you have done them wrong, you always have a way to rationalize it. No matter what you’ve done or how bad it is- there is always an excuse.
7. You force your truth on others.
You believe that your truth is the only truth, whether that is regarding spirituality, diet, lifestyle, beliefs, or whatever the case may be. The fact is- we are all different, biologically, genetically, and environmentally. So, just because your truth works for you, does not mean it’s the absolute truth. And to push your agenda on others and to act like if they disagree, they are beneath you is flat-out toxic.