Stop Giving Your Precious Time To Toxic People

Dealing with difficult people in your life

Everyone has a toxic person (or people) in their life. Whether it is a family member, friend, co-worker or acquaintance.

Your time and energy are precious, so why let a negative nancy bring you down?

You cannot control other people, but you can control how you react to certain situations and how much of an impact they have on your life.

Types of Toxic People

Vanessa Van Edwards wrote this amazing article “7 Types Of Toxic People And How To Spot Them”. It perfectly sums up the different types of toxicity you may encounter in those around you.

The Conversationalist Narcissist

We all know this one! I am sure you have a person in your life who does not let you get a word in. They monopolise the conversation so it is all about them and are not interested in hearing what anyone else has to say.

The Straight Jacket

These types of toxic people are the ones who have to control every little thing. You know, the “it’s’ my way or the highway” personalities. They want you to fall in line, to agree with them on everything and follow their lead. They are not fans of those who think and act for themself.

The Emotional Moocher

Think of Eeyore from Winnie-the-Pooh. He never has anything nice to say, a total pessimistic and can never see the positives in anything.

These types of toxic people tend to bring down others around them.

The Drama Magnet

Oh everyone has a drama magnet in their life! A person who always has an issue, a drama or something big going on. They complain about it but generally ignore all advice or support to improve their situation. They seem to like being the centre of drama and don’t want to change.

The JJ

A jealous judgmental person.

Jealous people are super judgy. They point out everyone else’s faults and shortcomings, they gossip and they criticise. Usually, this is all in an effort to mask their own failings or self-hate.

The Fibber

Ever heard the story “I caught a fish and it was this BIG”?

Whilst white lies may seem harmless, what if they were constant? About every little thing?

The fibbers can tell lots of little lies or huge whoppers. Either way, you cannot trust them. Without trust, there can be no relationship.

The Tank

Vanessa Van Edwards describes tanks as crushing everything in their path. They are selfish to the detriment of those around them, putting their own needs first.

These are the people who think they are better than everyone else, they are arrogant to a fault. I am sure you know several people in your life who would fall into this category of toxicity.

How to stop giving time to toxic people.

Everyone is different, just like every situation is different. How you deal with toxic people will depend on the way they are toxic, the relationship you have with them and how it is impacting you.

It is important to remember when dealing with toxic people that you cannot control their actions. What you can control is how you react to them and allow them to impact your life and wellbeing.

1. Toxic people will not change.

Just like you don’t want to be forced to change, we cannot change the toxic behaviours of others. Once you accept this, it can be easier to deal with toxic people in your life. You know they won’t change, so why bother trying to change them?

2. Set firm boundaries.

You need to be clear with what you will and will not accept from those people around you. Identifying these boundaries is the first step. Then you need to be firm and maintain those boundaries.

3. Pick your battles.

This goes with setting boundaries. Just like with toddlers where you pick your battles, the same can be said for toxic people. You don’t need to argue every little point, that is time-consuming and exhausting! So, whilst you need to be firm with your boundaries if it is a battle you don’t think you can win just walk away.

4. Cut them out.

Seriously. Let them go.

If you are in a toxic relationship, friendship or work environment then cut them out.

I know it sounds hard, and it can be difficult taking those steps to remove these people from your life or leave a job, but the time and energy toxic people suck from you are just not worth it.

5. Surround yourself with non-toxic people!

Choosing healthy relationships and friendships is a great way to build a positive support network around you. You will thrive. These relationships don’t take much to cultivate and don’t sap your energy!

Surround yourself with people who love, respect and care about you. Who don’t try and change you, who don’t take and take and take until there is nothing left.

6. Find your people!

Choosing to walk away from toxic people, whether they are family, friends or work colleagues is brave. It takes courage to stand up for yourself and be firm in the belief that you truly deserve all the happiness, kindness and respect in the world.

You don’t need to take crap from anyone. You don’t need to give up your precious time to toxic people who drag you down. Stand firm. Be courageous.

Don’t let anyone dim your light.

Rachel Maree is a writer, mum and registered nurse. Bringing you the real truth to parenting, nursing and writing (even when it is downright ugly). You can read more articles or hire her to write amazing content for you — Rachel Maree.

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