Trash the Toxic

Do you know of someone who drains your energy? Does this person cause you unnecessary drama? When you are finished hanging out with this person, do you feel drained and worn out? If you are, then you know how exhausting it can be to have this type of person in your life; this is the description I would use to describe a toxic person.

You may be wondering why toxic people enter into your life. Sometimes, you wonder how life would be better if the toxic person would just go away. Sometimes, the toxic person cannot go away. For example, you may work with  toxic coworker. This person brings everyone in the office down. It could be the family member that no one wants to be around, but no one will say anything for fear of causing World War III. In these types of situations, it is best to distance yourself as much as possible. Remind yourself of why you are wonderful and focus on what you can control.

What about your friends? You can control who you choose to be friends with each day. As you get older, you realize that you and your friends have different priorities and agendas. What happens if your friend  becomes a toxic person? Do you keep the friend in your life simply because of past history? Should you get rid of the friend? I cannot answer this question for you because it is you life.

To help you make the best decision for you, ask yourself these kinds of questions: Does your friend cause or attract more drama than you can handle? When you need help, will your friend be there for you? If your friend has a significant other, does your friend regard your feelings about appropriate levels of PDA? At the end of the day, does your friend rejuvenate you or do you feel frustrated? Above all, what does your gut instinct tell you?

If you decide that it is time to get rid of the toxic friend (or other toxic person), end the relationship sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the harder it will be. Unfortunately, the person may be going through tough times. In this case, you should be the judge of the right cut off time. It will be difficult at first. You may go through the grieving process and wonder so many things about the former relationship. At the end of the day, do what's best for you and your health. If you get rid of the toxic people now, you will feel refreshed and happier in the end.