20 Warning Signs Of A Toxic Person And How To Deal

If some of the people you deal with leave you drained, it’s best to distance yourself from them. These individuals are toxic and will only elicit negative emotions such as anxiety, frustration, and anger.

You may not be able to identify a toxic person at first glance. In fact, the individual themselves may not even realize their own toxicity. Still, it’s in your best interest to keep an eye out because a toxic person’s behavior can have a significant impact on your life.

So, in this article, we will share 20 warning signs of a toxic person that you should be aware of. Once you recognize any of these signs, it may be wise to keep your distance before they draw you to their negative side.

What is a toxic person?

A toxic person is someone who engages in behaviors that have a negative impact on those around them. They may be emotionally manipulative, controlling, critical, or abusive.

Toxic people often exhibit patterns of behavior that are damaging to others. And they may struggle with issues such as anger, jealousy, or low self-esteem.

20 Warning signs of a toxic person

It’s important to recognize the signs of a toxic person and take steps to protect yourself from their negative influence. This can include setting boundaries, limiting your interactions with them, and seeking support from others.

Here are 20 warning signs of a toxic person that you should be aware of:

Toxic negativity

Toxic people tend to focus on the negative aspects of life and are quick to criticize others. They often complain about things, even the smallest ones.

They spew harsh comments and have a lot of pessimistic remarks on them. They ruin other’s people’s fun and dampen moods all around.

Self-centeredness

A toxic person tends to put their own needs and desires above those of others.

They will prioritize their own preferences without regard for your needs or desires. For instance, toxic people will choose activities, restaurants, or movies that suit their liking. They will not bother to consider your interests or opinions but will expect you to go along with what they want.

Controlling

Toxic people are also controlling. They are obsessed with having complete control over their lives, including their relationships with their partners, family, and friends. To the point of resorting to manipulation and other tactics.

The need to be right

Another telltale sign of a toxic person is their need to be right. All the time. And refuse to admit when they are wrong.

People who always need to be right can’t handle losing an argument. They won’t admit defeat even when there’s clear evidence against them. They’ll keep pestering you if they’re not satisfied that they’ve won.

Toxic people have to have the last word and make sure everyone knows they’re right.

Manipulative

Manipulative behavior is another red flag for a toxic person.

Toxic people may manipulate others to avoid responsibility, hide their true motives, or create uncertainty and doubt. They use harmful tactics like gaslighting, lying, blaming, criticizing, and shaming.

Jealous

A toxic person is a jealous person who may try to make you feel bad about yourself and your achievements.

A toxic person will not be happy for you. And may belittle your accomplishments, or even try to hide their jealousy by pretending to be indifferent.

Playing the victim

Playing the victim is another toxic trait in a person that you should avoid at all costs.

These people think they are always morally right and never at fault. They feel entitled to sympathy from others and refuse to take responsibility for their actions.

People who play the victim often compare themselves to others and believe that others have it better than them.

Passive-aggressive

Toxic people can also appear to be agreeable and cooperative on the surface, but deep down, they hold negative feelings and emotions toward others. They are passive-aggressive and so, they may comply with the needs of others, but then not follow through with their promises or commitments.

Their actions are subtle, indirect, and hard to detect, in order to express anger and frustration.

For example, a passive-aggressive toxic person may agree to do something for you but then will do it wrong just to make a point.

Instead of openly discussing their feelings, they may give you silent treatment or withhold communication to express their displeasure. They may also make snide remarks or use sarcasm to criticize or insult you indirectly.

Unreliable

Toxic people fail to keep their promises or commitments. They may make promises they have no intention of keeping, or they may change their minds at the last minute.

Dishonest

Toxic people use dishonest methods such as lying, cheating, and deceiving others to achieve their goals.

They manipulate others into doing things they want, even if it harms others. They lack empathy and concern for other’s feelings and needs, putting their desires and benefits above everyone else’s.

Emotionally abusive

A toxic individual is emotionally abusive. They say hurtful things that make others feel bad about themselves. Criticize and belittle them, or use manipulation tactics to get them to do what they want.

Insensitive

Toxic people are insensitive and don’t care about how others feel. This can cause them to say or do things that hurt people’s feelings.

They often ignore what other people need, which can be harmful emotionally or physically. And being around them can make you feel unhappy, stressed, or anxious.

Arrogant

Toxic people are frequently arrogant. They enjoy making others look bad in order to feel better about themselves. They believe and act as if they are superior to others.

They may dismiss, belittle, or refuse to work collaboratively with others. Finally, their arrogance creates a negative environment that is harmful to personal and professional relationships.

Judgmental

Toxic people are also judgmental. This is due to their desire to feel superior to others. They may use their judgment to criticize or belittle others in order to feel better or gain control of the situation.

And, as a general toxic person, they usually lack empathy and understanding for other people’s points of view, leading them to make snap decisions based on limited information.

Confrontational

Another trait of a toxic person is that they are confrontational. They engage in this behavior in order to exert control over others and their surroundings.

They may use confrontation as a way to assert dominance or intimidate others. They often lack emotional intelligence and may not know how to handle conflicts healthily.

Insecure

Toxicity can also be caused by insecure people. This is because they are overly concerned with what others think of them. They lack the confidence to express their own thoughts and ideas, and their chronic indecisiveness can be frustrating.

Their insecurity causes them to put others down in order to elevate their own status. They will exaggerate their own busyness in order to appear relevant or in demand.

Furthermore, their insecurities may cause them to be paranoid meddlers, causing others to doubt their own actions and decisions.

Untrustworthy

Another toxic personality trait is untrustworthiness, which often manifests in frequent gossip. And divulging confidential information shared with them by others. Additionally, they may struggle to keep secrets, making it difficult for others to trust them with sensitive information.

Blaming others

Toxic people blame others for any problems that arise and refuse to accept responsibility for their own actions. They will go as far as to tell elaborate stories to justify their actions. Even if it is obvious to everyone else that they are lying.

Overly dramatic

A toxic personality is constantly seeking attention by exaggerating or creating unnecessary drama or even gossip.

They may be looking for approval or attention from others. So, they create drama and chaos in their lives, frequently blaming others for their problems.

Guilt-tripping

Guilt-tripping is yet another toxic behavior. It involves manipulating others into feeling guilty or responsible for something that they may not be responsible for.

This toxic behavior creates an unhealthy dynamic in relationships. Where the seemingly guilty party feels pressured to do something they may not want to do or may not be able to do.

Guilt-trippers can use passive-aggressive comments, emotional blackmail, or play the victim. They cause others to feel responsible for their emotions or actions. Which is another ploy to gain control over others.

The 7 Types of Toxic People

Toxic people come in different forms and can have negative impacts. And the 7 types of toxic people to be aware of are listed below, grouped according to the warning signs mentioned in the previous section.

1. The Victim: Victims often believe that they are powerless and that others are responsible for their problems. They may use their victimhood as a means of control or to avoid taking responsibility for their own actions.
2. The Narcissist: Narcissists are self-centered and often believe that they are superior to others. They have an excessive need for admiration and attention and can be manipulative and emotionally abusive.
3. The Critic: Critics are quick to point out flaws and weaknesses in others, often without offering any constructive feedback. They may use criticism as a means of control or to make themselves feel superior.
4. The Drama Queen/King: Drama queens and kings thrive on chaos and are often the source of drama and conflict. They may create problems or exaggerate situations to gain attention or to make themselves feel important.
5. The Controller: Controllers are often manipulative and may try to control every aspect of a situation or relationship. They may use tactics such as guilt, fear, or intimidation to get their way.
6. The Gossip: Gossips thrive on spreading rumors and sharing private information about others. They may use gossip as a means of control or to gain attention.
7. The Martyr: Martyrs often sacrifice their own needs and desires for others, but may become resentful or angry if they feel their sacrifices are not appreciated. They may use their martyrdom as a means of control or to avoid taking responsibility for their own happiness.

What are things that toxic people say?

Toxic people often use language and say things that are manipulative, hurtful, or damaging to those around them. Here are some examples of things that toxic people may say:

1. “You’re too sensitive”: Toxic people may use this phrase to dismiss someone’s feelings or make them feel like their emotions are invalid.
2. “It’s not my fault”: Toxic people may be unwilling to take responsibility for their own actions, and may blame others or external factors for their problems.
3. “You’re the problem”: Toxic people may try to shift blame onto others, rather than taking responsibility for their own behavior.
4. “If you loved me, you would…”: Toxic people may use this phrase to manipulate others into doing what they want or to make them feel guilty.
5. “I was only joking”: Toxic people may use humor as a means of masking their hurtful or manipulative behavior.
6. “You’ll never find anyone else who will put up with you”: Toxic people may use this phrase to make someone feel like they are lucky to have them or to keep them from leaving.
7. “You’re crazy”: Toxic people may try to gaslight others by making them doubt their own perceptions or reality.
8. “I’m sorry you feel that way”: Toxic people may use non-apology apologies that shift the blame onto the other person, rather than taking responsibility for their own actions.

Tips on how to deal with a toxic person

When you’re dealing with a toxic person, it can be tough to know what to do. However, there are a few things you can try to protect yourself and reduce the impact of their behavior.

Check out these tips on how to deal with a toxic person:

1. Set boundaries: Be clear about what you are and are not willing to tolerate from the toxic person. Communicate your boundaries clearly and firmly, and be consistent in enforcing them.
2. Don’t engage in their drama: Toxic people often thrive on drama and conflict. Don’t get drawn into their drama or allow them to drag you into their negative behavior.
3. Practice self-care: Take care of yourself by engaging in activities that promote your mental and emotional well-being. This can include exercise, meditation, spending time with positive people, and pursuing hobbies you enjoy.
4. Don’t take their behavior personally: Remember that the toxic person’s behavior is a reflection of them, not you. Don’t internalize their negative behavior or allow it to affect your self-esteem.
5. Don’t try to change them: Trying to change a toxic person is often futile. Instead, focus on changing your own responses to their behavior.
6. Seek support: It can be helpful to talk to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist about your experiences with the toxic person. They can provide emotional support and help you navigate the situation.
7. Consider ending the relationship: In some cases, it may be necessary to cut ties with a toxic person. If the person’s behavior is causing you significant distress and they are unwilling or unable to change, ending the relationship may be the healthiest option for you.

Conclusion

To conclude, recognizing the signs of a toxic person and taking steps to protect yourself from their negative influence is essential for maintaining a healthy emotional and mental state.

Toxic people tend to exhibit behavior that is damaging to others, and they struggle with issues such as anger, jealousy, or low self-esteem.

The 20 warning signs of a toxic person, which include controlling, manipulative, self-centered, and insensitive behavior, are important to keep in mind.

By setting boundaries, limiting interactions, and seeking support from others, you can protect yourself from the negative impact of toxic people in your life. Remember that your mental health and well-being should always be a top priority.

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