Toxic

Toxic defined by the Oxford Dictionary as very harmful or unpleasant in a pervasive or insidious way. Gaslight refers to manipulating someone using psychological methods into questioning their own sanity and powers of reasoning. In other words, a person who is making you feel crazy for their own benefit when you know you’re not.

Unfortunately, toxic behavior has become more known due to social media and access to medical information that is written for allowing the readers to understand and interpret.

All of us can share stories on how our lives have changed due to people who are toxic but also those of us who manipulate others needs to know how your actions are hurting others.

WebMD list are inconsistency, they always need attention, they can’t be happy for you, there’s always drama, they don’t respect boundaries, they manipulate others to get what they want, and they don’t accept responsibility. The effects on others are you feel like you’re being manipulated or played, you’re constantly confused by the person’s behavior, you deserve an apology that never comes, you’re always defending yourself to the person, you don’t feel comfortable around that person and finally you might feel bad about yourself when you’re with them. Go to WebMD for more information.

My ex husband always made me feel stupid around him especially when I had valid concerns about his behavior plus having to defend myself of all I do. He was never home so I had to take care of the finances, taxes plus dinner and cleaning plus the lawn. Later on, he learned quickly how good he had it.

A friend of mine who had dealt with someone who she works with in the same company but different departments. This person tried getting her fired through manipulation multiple times. She dealt with the situation by distancing herself and by not talking to anyone. Her details made me cringe. No employee guidelines plus favoritism abound to some who do more brown noising than working.

In closing, toxic people are everywhere. Check yourself that you’re not the one destroying others as I have. Not giving attention to toxic behaviors might eventually end the actions of those who contaminate you and others.

Thank you.

Leslie Elizabeth David