- [Narrator] Hey, Psych2go family!
So how do you know if someone
is a toxic person?
According to psychotherapist Jodie Gale,
in an article by Margarita Tartakovsky,
a toxic person is more accurately described
as a person who routinely exhibits behaviors
that are negative, unhealthy,
and debilitating to another person.
So here are 10 types of toxic people
that you'll likely meet in your life.
One, the jealous type.
Although jealousy can very easily turn toxic,
it's important to remember that to some extent
it's normal in personal relationships.
A little bit of jealousy from time to time
doesn't make someone toxic.
Jealousy becomes toxic when people start
to imagine potential situations
and rope them in with reality.
This is harmful in any relationship
because it causes the person to create falsehoods
and can easily lead to controlling
and possessive behavior.
Two, the egotistical type.
Is there someone around you
who is constantly belittling others,
making them feel worthless and insecure?
Anyone who acts or makes another person
feel this way is toxic.
Anytime someone cannot see past their own needs,
their behavior can be toxic.
While it's not a bad thing to look out for yourself,
it becomes a problem when self-care
turns into self-absorbance.
Number three, the manipulative type.
Do they constantly ask for favors,
get angry when you say no,
or try to bribe you with things you enjoy
to do things for them in return?
These are sure signs they are trying to manipulate you.
Manipulation is usually reflective of selfishness.
People who routinely exhibit manipulative behavior
are only looking out for their personal gain,
disregarding the feelings of others.
Similar to narcissism, this can lead
to a huge amount of mistreatment and disrespect.
Four, the user.
Do you know someone who tends to befriend others
only to use them as a resource,
not to form a genuine relationship?
In a school setting, can you recall the ones
who contacted you only when they needed homework help
and never to chat or ask how you are?
This behavior is toxic
because it can wear you out
as they seem to only keep you in their lives
for their own benefit.
You deserve to be valued for the person you are,
not just by what you can do for someone else.
Number five, people who feed off drama.
Do you have a friend who constantly gossips
about other people's shortcomings?
It's never healthy to feel like you're under a microscope.
Often times, people who like discussing the shortcomings
and flaws of others are indirectly trying
to inflate their own self-perception.
If someone is known to gossip frequently
and stir up drama,
it's often in an attempt
to hide an underlying insecurity.
It's a ploy to seek attention,
and this can ruin any genuine friendship
or relationship you're trying to forge with them.
They seem to be more interested in tearing other people down
rather than building up themselves and those around them.
Similarly, those who engage in drama are also toxic,
even if they don't start it.
Six, people who are judgmental or overly critical.
Is someone around you always quick
to amplify faults in others?
Are they quick to jump to negative conclusions
and make false assumptions?
People who constantly judge others
are not the best to surround yourself with.
Constructive criticism and suggestions
can totally be beneficial, but criticism
that tends only to highlight your flaws
without offering any solutions
is detrimental to your mental health.
According to psychologist Steven Stosny,
excessive criticism becomes toxic
because it makes people feel less valued.
Critical people tend to come across as superior to others,
and that can have a blaming or belittling effect.
And constantly having to hear
that something's wrong with you
can easily lower you self-esteem.
Seven, people who can't control emotional outbursts.
Are you walking on eggshells around someone
as you never know how they'll react
to something you say?
Are others geared to be around them
because they can lash out anywhere and any time
with no forewarning?
Someone with frequent emotional outbursts
is toxic to be around
because it can diminish your self-worth.
They'll project their emotions onto others,
victimizing themselves in the process.
The truth is, their emotional volatility
is a reflection of their own unresolved insecurities.
Eight, people who disregard your values.
Do they always belittle what you stand for?
Do they make your beliefs seem inadequate?
Are they constantly trying to mold you
according to their ways?
People who do this can cause you to ignore
or disregard your own values
and become very controlling by doing so.
No relationship, personal or professional,
should cause you to lose sight of who you are
and what you stand for.
Nine, people who set ultimatums.
Ultimatums are a form of control and manipulation
because they can make you feel like your entire relationship
with a certain person depends on your compliance to them.
This can cause you to feel under pressure
and can make your own ideas and values
fly out the window.
According to clinical psychologist Kathy Nickerson,
ultimatums are processed like threats
and thereby remove the factors of love
and empathy in a relationship.
They leave you feeling suffocated.
Any relationship that makes you feel forced
or pressured is a toxic one,
and can cause you to lose your sense of self.
And 10, people who have an overly competitive mindset.
Ever heard of people called one-uppers?
It seems as though they only listen to you
to respond with something better.
This behavior is toxic
because it can leave you feeling like your excitement
and accomplishments are not enough.
In any relationship, it's important
to feel celebrated and cared for.
And people who are constantly competitive with you
can leave you feeling less worthy and less valuable.
Have you experienced such behavior before?
Do you think these signs are sufficient criteria
for spotting the toxic people around you?
Do let us know in the comments below.
Also remember to share with those
you think might benefit from it.
And as always, thanks for watching!