Friends are a fundamental part of our lives. They provide us with support, company and fun. However, not all friendships are good for us. Toxic friendships can have a negative impact on our mental and emotional health.

It is important to identify these types of interactions in our group because they can end up affecting our body and mental well-being.

But do you know how to identify those negative friendships?

Signs that we have bad friends

During friendship with these toxic people we can observe some signs that will tell us that they are bad friends. These signs can be emotional, behavioral or physical.

Some of them are:

There is no reciprocity: they receive and you give

Friendships should be reciprocal, based on mutual support. If you find that you are constantly giving, whether in terms of time, attention, or emotional support, without receiving anything in return, it is a clear sign that you could have toxic friends.

They don't support you because of how you are

Your friends should accept you as you are, with all your quirks and flaws. If you feel like you're being criticized or made to feel bad for being yourself, it's a sign of a negative friendship.

You can't trust him with your privacy

Trust is essential in a solid friendship. If you don't feel comfortable sharing your most intimate thoughts or secrets with your friends, it's a sign that you can't trust them.

They bring out the worst version of you

Friendships should inspire you to be the best version of yourself. If you find yourself acting in a negative or destructive way around certain friends, it's an indicator that they could be bad influences.

They usually disappoint you

If you constantly feel disappointed or ignored by your friends, it's a sign that they may not be committed to the relationship.

They do not respect your partner, family or children

Respect for your loved ones is essential. If your friends show disrespect towards your partner, family or children, this can be detrimental to your relationships and well-being.

It makes you feel bad

A healthy friendship should make you feel good about yourself. If, on the other hand, you constantly feel bad or dissatisfied after spending time with friends, it's time to reconsider the relationship.

They talk bad about you behind your back

Betrayal and defamation are clear signs of a toxic friendship. If you find that your friends are talking badly about you behind your back, it is an indication of a lack of loyalty and respect.

They compare you to other people

Constant comparisons can undermine your self-esteem and self-confidence. If your friends compare you to others and make you feel inferior, it's a warning sign.

They don't ask for forgiveness

Strong friendships involve the ability to apologize and forgive. If your friends never admit their mistakes or apologize when they hurt you, it's a sign of lack of emotional maturity.

They are eternal victims and you must treat them with caution

Some people constantly see themselves as victims and can drain your energy with their constant complaining and negativity. Maintain a healthy distance from such friends to protect your own mental health.

How do bad friendships affect us?

Your other relationships suffer

Toxic friendships can negatively affect your other relationships, including family and romantic ones. You may begin to see the world through a negative lens and carry that negativity into other areas of your life.

You don't feel supported

Lack of emotional support from your friends can leave you feeling alone and helpless during difficult times.

Your stress increases

Toxic friendships can place additional stress in your life, which can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health.

Low levels of self-esteem

Toxic friendships can make us feel bad about ourselves.

What should I do if I have a toxic friendship?

Talk about it with the person

If you feel like a friendship is toxic, consider talking to the person and expressing your concerns. Sometimes open communication can solve problems and improve the relationship.

Ask yourself about friendship

Reflect on the friendship and evaluate if it really benefits you or harms you. Sometimes realizing that a friendship is toxic is the first step to freeing yourself from it.

Reduce contact with your friend

If you don't feel comfortable talking to your friend about how you feel, you can start to reduce contact with him or her.

Cut the relationship

If you have tried talking to your friend and reducing contact, and the relationship is still toxic, it may be necessary to end the relationship completely.

Build new relationships

Don't be afraid to look for new friendships that are more positive and healthy for you. Surrounding yourself with people who support you and make you feel good about yourself is essential for your well-being.

Toxic friendships can have a negative impact on our lives. It is important to identify them and take measures to protect ourselves. If you think you have toxic friendships, talk to a trusted friend or therapist. They can help you assess the situation and take necessary action.

Do you identify with any of the signs of a toxic friendship? Do you have any advice to help others identify and move away from toxic friendships? Share this article with someone who may need it.

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In life, we've all probably experienced the feeling of being around someone who doesn't make us feel good. It could be a friend, family member, romantic partner, or even a co-worker, but there are certain people who leave us with a bitter taste in our mouths after interacting with them. These people are known as "toxic" and can have a negative impact on our emotional and mental health. In this article, the personality traits in a toxic person will be analyzed.

What is a toxic person?

A toxic person refers to someone who directly and negatively affects those closest to them due, among other things, to their egocentric and narcissistic personality.

A toxic person has typical patterns of an egocentric, such as being little empathetic in relation to what others think.

In any type of relationship, be it a partner, friends, family or co-workers, the toxic person will contaminate those around them with negativity and low self-esteem.

There are also passive toxic people, who hide their patterns with flattery or apologies. For example, the person may extol the creative qualities of her friend and, at the same time, consider that her aspirations for a certain job are unrealistic.

Generally speaking, a toxic person is someone who has a negative and pessimistic attitude, and who can make others feel bad about themselves. This can manifest in many ways, from being judgmental and condescending to being controlling and manipulative.

What are the personality traits of a toxic person?

Handling

Manipulative is a common toxic personality trait. Manipulative people use deceptive tactics to achieve their goals. They may lie, distort the truth, minimize their own actions, or blame others for their own mistakes. The manipulation can be very subtle, and the person exercising it may not realize that he is doing harm.

Egocentrism

Self-centered people focus on themselves instead of others. They may be narcissistic, believing they are superior to others, and constantly seeking attention and validation from others. Self-centered people can also be insensitive to the feelings of others, since they only care about themselves.

Aggressiveness

Aggressive people may be physically or verbally violent, and may use fear or intimidation to control others. They can also be hostile and confrontational, and can easily feel threatened by others.

Lack of empathy

They may be unable to put themselves in the shoes of others, and don't care how others feel. People who lack empathy may have difficulty understanding the emotions of others and may be insensitive to other people's needs.

Erratic behavior

They can change their mood quickly, and they can overreact to common situations. This can make it difficult to predict how they will react in a given situation, which can be stressful and uncomfortable for the people around them.

Victimization

Toxic people may blame others for their own problems and failures. They may feel as if they are a victim of circumstance, and may refuse to take responsibility for their own actions. Victimization can be a form of manipulation, and can be used to make others feel guilty and take responsibility for the toxic person's problems.

Control

The desire to control others is another common toxic personality trait. People who seek to control others may attempt to control all aspects of the person's life, from what they wear to who they talk to. This need for control can manifest itself in many ways, such as insisting on having the last word in an argument or imposing your own beliefs and values on others.

Center of attention

Another trait that a toxic person can present is the need to be the center of attention. They may feel uncomfortable when they are not the focus of attention, and may constantly seek validation and attention from others. This can manifest itself in different ways, such as being excessively talkative or showy behaviors.

How to identify a toxic person?

Identifying a toxic person can be difficult, as their behavior can be subtle or manipulative. However, here are some signs that may indicate someone is toxic:

• Constantly criticizes or judges others.
• Always plays the victim and blames others for their problems.
• Manipulates and controls others to get what they want.
• Emotionally drains the people around them and doesn't care about their feelings or needs.
• Has difficulty taking responsibility for their actions and blames others for their problems.
• Is jealous, possessive, and controlling in personal relationships.
• Always has drama and conflicts in their life.
• Doesn't respect others' boundaries and regularly crosses them.

If you observe any of these behaviors consistently in a person, it may be a sign that they are toxic. In general, it's important to trust your instincts and distance yourself from anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable or bad about yourself.

How should we deal with a toxic person?

Dealing with a toxic person can be difficult and exhausting, but there are some things you can do to protect yourself and handle the situation effectively. Here are some tips:

• Don't give them too much attention - toxic people often have a tendency to create drama and conflict. Don't get involved in their problems, don't try to solve them or feel responsible for their happiness.
• Don't take what they say personally - some toxic people have a tendency to speak badly of others. In these cases, the best option is indifference.
• Take charge of the conversation - try not to let them dictate the conversation. You can do this by redirecting the conversation back to its original topic when it has changed to the toxic person's interests.
• Establish clear boundaries - it's important to set boundaries and let the toxic person know what behaviors you won't tolerate. For example, you can tell them that you won't tolerate critical or abusive comments.
• Accept their apologies when they are sincere - being a toxic person doesn't mean their behavior will always be that way. Like any human being, they can show remorse for their actions, and it's acceptable to reward these efforts with an empathetic attitude.
• Recognize when it's time to walk away - ultimately, it's important to recognize when a relationship is too toxic to continue and consider completely distancing yourself from the person. It can be difficult, but sometimes it's best for your well-being and mental health.
• Practice assertive communication - assertive communication is key to dealing with a toxic person. Learn to communicate your thoughts and feelings clearly, directly, and respectfully. Avoid accusations or aggressive language.

What can we do to avoid becoming a toxic person?

We can all exhibit toxic behaviors, but there are some strategies to prevent becoming a toxic person. Here are a few of them:

• Practice self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and actions. This can help you identify any harmful thought or behavior patterns that may affect you or those around you.
• Learn to manage your emotions: It's important to learn healthy ways to manage your emotions. Practice meditation, breathing exercises, and other forms of self-care to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Be empathetic: Try to put yourself in other people's shoes and understand their perspectives. Listen actively and pay attention to others' needs.
• Promote healthy communication: Try to communicate effectively and avoid aggressive or insulting language. Learn how to give and receive constructive criticism.
• Learn to set boundaries: It's important to learn how to set healthy boundaries and respect others' boundaries. Make sure to communicate your boundaries clearly and directly.
• Cultivate positive relationships: Make sure to surround yourself with positive and healthy people. Avoid toxic people and try to establish meaningful relationships with people who support and uplift you.
• Seek help if needed: If you're struggling with emotional or behavioral issues, seek help from a therapist or mental health professional. A therapist can help you identify and address any harmful thought or behavior patterns.

Have you been surrounded by toxic people? Have you exhibited toxic behaviors? What did you think of the article? Leave your opinion in the comments.