There are some people who are difficult to get along with. They are always easily angered and behave weird all the time. The kind of people who leave you feeling worse off after interacting with them. They can sometimes even be manipulative and narcissistic.
These sets of people defy logic and, of a truth, many of them are unaware of the negative impact they have on those around them while some others seem to derive satisfaction from creating chaos and pushing people over the bar. Such people are commonly referred to as toxic People.
Dealing with someone’s toxic behavior, no doubt can be very exhausting. The person exhibiting such behavior might constantly complain about others treating them unfairly, or even accuse people of wronging them or not caring about their needs.
However, when you have such a person around you, it is better to deal with them diplomatically for peaceful coexistence, rather than label them as being toxic.
This is because, studies have shown that such behavior can be caused by stress, as stress can have a lasting, negative impact on the brain which in turn affects the way people behave or react to things.
Below are some tips on how to deal with such people without aggravating issues.
1. Open Up to Them About Their Behavior
People who behave in a toxic manner may not even know how their behavior affects people around them. So the first thing to do is to have an open conversation with them about their unacceptable behavior. While doing this, ensure you express your feelings clearly. This will pave way for them to also express how they feel as well.
When you open up to them, you make them aware and conscious of their behavior and if it is not deliberate, then they can take steps towards changing such attitudes.
2. Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries is necessary for every relationship but is even more crucial when you are delaying with people who exhibit toxic behavior. When you do not define your boundaries properly, toxic people will always use it to their advantage.
However, this might not work with someone who is deliberately being toxic, but you should make efforts to set boundaries no matter the circumstance.
3. Protect Yourself From Harm
Take note and beware when your relationship with a toxic person is getting violent. Such people can suddenly and unexpectedly get violent, so always be ready to protect yourself.
Once the situation begins to get violent, flee from them or put an end to it if possible to avoid harm. If you have to apologize at that moment just for the sake of peace, even if you are right, then do it to avoid harm.
This is also a good way of leading by example and indirectly teaching them the right way to do things.
4. Request Help When Necessary
If for some reason, you decide to continue to maintain your relationship with a toxic person, you may need to ask for help when it gets to a point where you can no longer handle things on your own.
You should be able to identify when enough is enough and seek help. You could get professional help or talk to close friends or relatives around you who may be able to help fix the situation.
5. Walk Away From
In the end, you may have to cut off that relationship completely if nothing changes. This can be very difficult and hurtful, especially if the person in question is a relative or someone you truly love. It is, however, better to endure the short-term pain of cutting them off, for the sake of your sanity, than to endure the long-term pain of having to cope with their toxic behavior. You may need to take this action to maintain your self-esteem, finances, emotional balance, and your relationship with others.
At the end of the day, whatever you do, ensure that you do not condone any behavior that makes you uncomfortable and diminishes you.
