Toxic People: How to End a Bad Relationship
Toxic people and nourishing people
We become part of what we are around.
In today’s literature, we see the terms toxic people and nourishing people. As you might expect, toxic people are the ones who always dwell on the negative. The dictionary defines toxic as “poisonous”; toxic people continually spew their verbal poison. In contrast, the dictionary definition of nourishing is “to promote the growth of.” Nourishing people are positive and supportive.
They lift your spirits and are a joy to be around. Toxic people will always try to drag you down to their level. They hammer away at you with all of the things you can’t do and all of the things that are impossible. They barrage you with gloomy statements about the lousy economy, the problems in their life, the problems soon to be in your life and the terrible prospects for the future. If you’re lucky, they might even throw in a few words about their aches and pains.
After listening to toxic people, you feel listless and drained. Motivational speaker Les Brown refers to these people as “Dream Killers.” Psychologist Jack Canfield describes them as “energy vampires” because they suck all the positive energy out of you.
Have you ever been with a negative person – and felt as if that individual were physically taking energy from you?
I think we’ve all had that experience many times. One thing is certain: Spend time with toxic people and their negative messages will wear you down.
On the other hand, how do you feel when you’re around people who are positive, enthusiastic, and supportive?
You’re energized and inspired. There’s something truly amazing about positive people. They seem to have a positive energy that lights up a room. When you’re around them, you start to pick up their attitude and you feel as if you have added strength to vigorously pursue your own goals.
When I think about positive people, my friend John Lisicich immediately comes to mind. Whenever I speak with John, I feel like I can conquer the world. John is simply the most positive person you could ever meet.
I like to think of myself as a very positive person. On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the most positive, I’d probably give myself a 9.5. I’d have to give John Lisicich a 14! He’sjust off the charts. He’s always positive, always enthusiastic. And he gives a tremendous lift to everyone who crosses his path. His attitude inspires people to greatness! Can you see how your attitude might improve if you had a friend like John in your life?
