Everyone has had to deal with a toxic person before. They might take credit for your work, belittle you, or be toxic in other ways, but you can usually handle toxic people. On the other hand, how do you know whether someone is toxic? Below are 7 qualities of toxic people to help you spot them as soon as possible.
1) They don’t like when you grow
They won’t take well to your personal growth, which they view as taking something from them. As you pursue your interests, they will act to slow you down. It seems like once people start noticing that your life is getting better, they are often intimidated and find themselves envious and feeling inadequate, so keep up the good work. Recognize that their opinion of you doesn’t change the reality of who you are.
2) They aren’t happy with themselves
Your happiness is yours to own and no one else’s. It can be a challenge when you are around toxic people but their unhappiness or lack of contentment is never your fault. Toxic people aren’t happy with themselves so they look to others to boost their egos and make them feel better about who they are as a person. They get off on making other people feel like crap; it makes them feel better.
3) They control everything
Toxic people think their behavior is okay because they have good intentions. But that’s what makes them toxic in the first place. They try to control everything and everyone around them—and often succeed. Toxic people don’t believe that other people are smart enough to make decisions on their own, so they do it for them, whether or not those people want it done.
4) They tell you what to do
Because they’re insecure in their own lives, toxic people need to feel empowered by making sure others are doing exactly what they want them to do. While there is value in having a mentor or coach, toxic people can often only be happy if you’re doing exactly what they suggest. They don’t respect your opinion: A more insidious sign that someone is a toxic personality is if they don’t value your opinion at all.
5) They make promises and never follow through
You need people around you who can be counted on—and that starts with respecting commitments.
6) They are always negative
Try to be around people who motivate you and help boost your confidence. Life is too short to spend around people who make it depressing.
7) Selfishness overwhelms them
They are so self-centered that they can’t see past their wants and needs. Everyone around them exists only to serve them and fulfill their desires. It’s hard to have a positive relationship with someone like that.