“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip seperates close friends.” Proverbs 16:28.
In our social interactions, we often surround ourselves with individuals who bring joy, support, and positivity into our lives. However, there are instances when we encounter toxic individuals who possess destructive behaviours and attitudes. These individuals consistently drain our emotional energy, undermine our self-esteem, and hinder personal growth. Consequently, people tend to avoid inviting or being around toxic individuals due to the detrimental impact they have on our overall well-being. In this commentary I want to explore why people refrain from inviting or being around toxic individuals.
1. Emotional Exhaustion:
One of the primary reasons people avoid toxic individuals is the emotional exhaustion they experience when interacting with them. They are emotional vampires draining the life out of people. Toxic individuals often thrive on drama, negativity, and conflict, leaving those around them feeling emotionally fatigued. Constant exposure to their toxic behaviour can lead to increased stress levels, anxiety, and a general sense of unhappiness. Consequently, people choose to distance themselves from toxic individuals to preserve their emotional well-being. And they are just really unlikeable people. They are delusional, as they never accept they are the problem. How can everybody else be wrong and only you are right? This sense of self-righteousness and entitlement is annoying and one of the many reasons they are never invited because they are chaotic and exasperating.
For example, imagine a workplace environment where a toxic colleague consistently spreads rumors, belittles others, and creates a hostile atmosphere. Over time, colleagues may feel drained and emotionally exhausted due to the constant negativity, leading them to avoid inviting or interacting with the toxic individual. When you call them out on their toxic behaviour they are suddenly the victim, they take no accountability for their behaviour. Never for a moment thinking, ‘maybe it’s me’. One finger pointing at everyone but 4 fingers pointing back at you! They lack emotional intelligence, self-awareness and communication skills.
2. Diminished Self-esteem:
Toxic individuals are extremely mean-spirited people and possess a knack for belittling others and undermining their self-esteem. They often criticize, manipulate, and engage in passive-aggressive behaviour, leaving their victims feeling inadequate and unworthy. Constant exposure to such toxicity erodes self-confidence, leading individuals to distance themselves from those who consistently bring them down. They end up never being invited to functions or events because of this behaviour; nobody wants to be around them, and nobody wants to have them around. So, they’re not invited to parties, social gatherings, cookouts, barbecues, they are not even invited to the toilets (ladies, you know what I mean!)
For instance, consider a toxic friend who habitually compares their achievements to yours, highlighting your failures while downplaying your successes. Over time, this toxic behaviour chips away at your self-esteem, making it difficult to invite or be around such an individual who consistently undermines your self-worth.
3. Hindered Personal Growth:
Toxic individuals hinder personal growth by discouraging and sabotaging the aspirations of those around them. They often exhibit envy, resentment, and a refusal to support others’ goals and dreams. Being around such individuals stifles personal development, as they discourage risk-taking, innovation, and the pursuit of new opportunities.
For instance, imagine having a toxic partner who constantly diminishes your ambitions and dreams, urging you to settle for mediocrity. This toxic influence can hinder your personal growth and prevent you from taking necessary steps towards achieving your goals. Thus, to foster personal growth and maximize potential, individuals opt to avoid toxic people. In conclusion, people consciously refrain from inviting or being around toxic individuals due to the negative impact they have on emotional well-being, self-esteem, and personal growth. Toxic behaviour drains individuals emotionally, leaving them exhausted and unhappy. Additionally, toxic individuals undermine the self-esteem of those around them, causing feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness. Moreover, toxic people hinder personal growth by discouraging aspirations and sabotaging opportunities for development. To foster a fulfilling and harmonious life, it is crucial to surround oneself with individuals who bring positivity, support, and encouragement. By distancing ourselves from toxic individuals, we can protect our emotional well-being and mental health, nurture our self-esteem, and create an environment conducive to personal growth and overall happiness.