by Nancy Horton

Created on: February 09, 2009   Last Updated: May 13, 2009

Spotting toxic people prior to being affected by them is not always easy to do, and many cases it isn't until you have been affected by them that you realize a need to end the relationship. And considering the fact that all human are not perfect, there is a good chance that you have had quite a few different toxic relationships in the past, or even currently. And yes it is best if we can spot an individual who is toxic right off the bat, and learn to avoid too much contact with those people for our own safety, peace, and happiness. Be who you are, with all that you are. And don't allow others to change you. Toxic individuals will do just that, bring out the worst side of you by pushing your buttons. They also love to frighten, dominate, and diminish you. Acknowledge them when you see them, and learn to ignore them. The more you ignore them and their actions, then they will realize that they are not winning with you, and they will move on to their next victim.

Toxic relationships can come in many different forms. They can be with a co-worker or boss, it can be with a parent or child, a friend, or a lover... to just name a few. These relationships can be short term, lasting for days perhaps; or long term, lasting for years at a time. Some toxic relationships can be simply a pain in your neck or frustrating, and some can be more intense by affecting you emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually by changing who you truly are as a person in the long run.

And for those who find that it is too late, and you have found yourself already wrapped up in a tangled mess, there is good news for you. You don't have to stay in it if you don't want to. Some people find that it becomes a daily routine, if you will, or a kind of comfort zone. Even though they don't like it, it is something that they are familiar with, and changing it can seem scary for fear of what might be next in store for them. But think of these things for just a moment... Regardless of who the person is that is toxic, they are harmful to you as a human being in one way or another. And quite possibly harmful to others around you as well. They bring you down emotionally and can even cause lack of self esteem which can affect you for years. They can cause mental turmoil rather you realize it or not, causing your authentic self to suddenly have an unstable foundation for everyday living; even simple decisions can suddenly cause a debate in your head. Of course many people have been in toxic relationships

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