Best Advice: How to Start Blocking Out Toxic People in Your Life

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Chances are, you’ve heard all about toxic people, and when reading things online about toxic folks, you probably tell yourself you’re going to avoid them at all costs, right? Well, there might be a chance you’re dealing with toxic people on a daily basis without truly realizing how toxic they are. Think of it this way, if you’re wearing rose-tinted glasses, then all the red flags just look normal. But when it comes to your mental health and just your quality of life in general, you’re going to have to cut out toxic people. So, here’s what you need to know when it comes to blocking out toxic people in your life. 

Set Boundaries and Never Give In

While it might seem cruel to draw boundaries with toxic people, it’s often the best way to protect yourself. If someone’s behavior consistently crosses a line, they are not someone you should be spending time with. Using your core values as a guide, identify the types of behaviors you will and won’t tolerate in relationships. Then, communicate these boundaries to others in a calm, consistent manner. Toxic people like to challenge the boundaries you set, either subtly or overtly. 

Be prepared to defend those boundaries, even if it means refusing certain conversations or experiences or completely cutting them out of your life altogether. This is commonly taught in organizations like WomenSV Ruth Patrick when it comes to women who are in bad and abusive relationships. 

Disconnect with Them Entirely

Often, toxic people don’t realize the harm they cause. They may lack self-awareness or not know healthier ways to communicate. Regardless, their behavior is unacceptable. You can’t have a healthy relationship with someone who doesn’t respect your boundaries or hurts you. Whether it’s a pessimistic family member, an overly critical friend, or a manipulative boss, the negativity they bring into your life will have a negative impact on your happiness and self-esteem. 

You need to cut out these toxic elements from your life so you can focus on what is truly important. Distancing yourself from these people isn’t always easy, but it is necessary. It might take time and patience, but eventually, they’ll get the hint.   You might need to grieve this as if it were an actual death, but in the end, you’ll need to disconnect and ensure they will no longer be in your life. 

Don’t Forget Blocking Online Too

They might be able to sense that you’re cutting them out of your life and try to manipulate you. Be prepared for this, and have a conversation about how their behavior makes you feel. This can be difficult, but it’s important for your mental and emotional health. You can also block them on social media to prevent them from being able to contact you. And do you have to have a conversation about your feelings? Honestly, no, if you don’t want to, you don’t even owe them that.