There are ways to evaluate your behavior and change it, which can help you improve your life
Understanding the signs of toxic behaviors, such as manipulation and lack of responsibility, can help you find positive ways to improve relationships with others and yourself.
Have you ever asked yourself: “Am I the problem?” when things continually go wrong in your relationships? In this case, this could mean that it has toxic characteristics. A person with toxic characteristics can cause a lot of conflict in the lives of those around him. But there are ways to evaluate these behaviors and change them, which can help you improve your life and your relationships with those around you. Understanding the signs of toxicity can help identify toxic behaviors. Check out some:
1. Avoid arguments
Someone who exhibits toxic behavior may not want to engage in important discussions. For this reason, problems can often remain unresolved. If you don’t avoid discussing a topic, you may find yourself resorting to methods that make the other person feel less confident.
2. Does not take responsibility
You may find it difficult to recognize your mistakes or blame others for any shortcomings you have. If you are unable to reflect on how your behaviors may be contributing to problems that arise, it can often affect your personal growth. According to 2017 research, reflecting on the decisions we make can have a positive impact on how we identify.
3. I refuse to apologize
If you have toxic personality traits, you may often distort the truth to make it seem like you were a victim or shift blame. Even when there is no way to avoid a mistake, you may still avoid apologizing, which could sever ties with the people you care about. If you are faced with a problem, you will likely become defensive about feedback and take offense at criticism. Toxicity can also make it difficult to listen to others’ points of view, which can lead to not apologizing when necessary.
4. Manipulates others
Toxic behaviors can include manipulating others for personal gain and control. Someone who does this may lie, exaggerate, or withhold information to get someone else to do what they want. They also do it to influence a positive opinion of themselves in others. Manipulation can include insults, mocking someone’s sensitivity, and withholding affection. Another form of manipulation that can be used is gaslighting, which occurs when someone tries to make another person question their reality. If you have toxic traits, others are more likely to distrust themselves and their personal experiences.
5. Doesn’t respect boundaries
Not respecting boundaries can affect a person’s sense of safety and trust. If you have toxic traits, you may ignore the needs of others or find yourself not present at important events in their lives. If you don’t want to reciprocate by meeting the needs of others, it can impact your relationships with the people you care about.
6. It is inconsistent
Nobody’s perfect. Everyone can be inconsistent sometimes. But if you often display inconsistent behavior, people may view it as a toxic trait. If it’s difficult to keep commitments or promises, it can affect how you show up to support your loved ones. If you tend to be inconsistent, you may notice impulsive, opportunistic, or erratic behavior in yourself. According to research, although these cues do not differ between men and women, women tend to be judged more harshly for these behaviors.
What to do if “you’re the problem”
If you realize that you have toxic characteristics, there are steps you can take to change. A positive change will improve your relationships with your loved ones and acquaintances. Some things you might consider are:
Improve your mental health: If you notice that unhelpful behaviors are affecting your mental health and your relationships with others, consider practicing mindfulness exercises such as deep breathing and meditation. This can help you notice thoughts and feelings that may be contributing to your experience with toxic behaviors. You may also consider speaking with a mental health professional who can help you address harmful thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Offering a sincere apology: When you do something that warrants an apology, consider making amends immediately. “If you make a mistake, admit it and apologize. It shows that you are willing to take responsibility for your actions and be open to feedback from others,” Becca Smith, a mental health counselor, told the website. Psychological center. Apologizing alleviates the toxicity of the situation, so you will have more positive memories with the other person. A sincere apology also shows others that you are working on yourself.
Respect for limits: If you sometimes overstep your boundaries, it can be helpful to focus on sticking to them in the future. You can also ask yourself how someone would feel if you did or said something. Asking yourself this question can help you be more thoughtful and respectful.
Take responsibility: Instead of blaming others for your mistakes, you can take responsibility even if it’s inconvenient. Everyone makes mistakes, and passing the blame can make you look worse than if you admitted your fault. Laren Narapareddy, the relationship expert explained Psychological center: “One of the most important steps in solidifying change is recognizing the impact your actions have had on you and your relationships.” Taking responsibility often involves having uncomfortable discussions to let those around you know that you are sorry and that you want to change.
Source: Psych Central
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
