Don't let toxic people make you miserable

Don't let people bog you down with their drama and negativity.

See, that's precisely what they crave: For them to be the ones responsible for turning your good mood into a sour one.

It empowers them to continue trying to push our buttons until we become disappointed, effectively ruining our day (or so they hope).

And toxic people aren't always overtly toxic from the get-go.

They may endear themselves to us in the beginning, forming the impression that they're one of the nicest people we have ever met.

But once the opportunity strikes, they flip a switch and allow their true, manipulative colors to come out.

As I've noted in prior posts, when people are unhappy with their lives, they attempt to make themselves feel better by trying to make miserable the lives of ostensibly happy individuals.

Whether they're in the process of getting divorced, having problems with their boss, or in serious financial straits, they take everything out on the people around them.

They lash out at the smallest things, like the fact that you didn't answer their call the first time or won't be able to hang out this weekend due to a prior engagement.

Unfortunately, when this toxic person ends up being our boss, father-in-law, or someone else we can't swear off easily without serious consequences, it can be difficult to know how to approach the problem.

I would advise having a frank conversation in private. Tell the person how you feel without resorting to attacks.

If the person has a smidgen of common sense and integrity, they'll appreciate your levelheadedness and strive to temper their hostility.

If that doesn't work, then you may have to address the issue with someone who can perhaps smack some sense into them (their boss, your partner, etc.).

If they fail to do so, or if their efforts are in vain, you may have to decide whether you wish to remain in the job or relationship.

Granted, there's no such thing as the perfect relationship, whether personal or professional. People will always diverge on certain issues. There's bound to be a spat here and there.

But you should never have to tolerate toxic behavior that borders on abuse in order to keep a relationship going. When things get that bad, the priority should be getting out before it adversely impacts your mental health.

Just because misery loves company doesn't mean you wish to be that company. Rid yourself of negativity, for life is too short to deprive ourselves of happiness.

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