‘Want to know the 25 signs of a toxic person? Here are the tell-tale indicators that you need to be aware of.
One of the first steps in protecting yourself from bullying is to know what types of people you should avoid. Also understand that trusting your feelings is just as important.
Why? Because some people are experts at hiding their true intentions and some things just aren’t so obvious.
In this post, you will learn the 25 signs of a toxic person so that you can protect yourself by knowing who to stay away from
Once you learn all these red flags, you will be able to better shield yourself from evil people and protect your peace.
This post is all about the 25 signs of a toxic person you need to know about.
25 Signs of a toxic person
It’s a good thing that we all have a sixth sense and are able to sense the vibes and energy others put out. This can also work in our favor. The trick is to listen to that innate instinct and trust it.
You can often tell who they are by the way they talk, behave, carry themselves, and how they treat other people.
Here are the types of people you should avoid altogether
1. taking and never giving
If you find yourself doing all the calling, texting, and the visiting, then, the relationship is one-sided and it’s best to cut the person loose.
2. gaslighting
This is a person who never takes responsibility for their behavior. Moreover, they find everything wrong with you and nothing wrong in themselves.
What’s really bad is that they never have anything positive to say. What’s worse is this person will often put on a gleaming façade of perfection.
At the same time, they throw stones at you and anyone who “rubs them the wrong way.” And when they hide their own shortcomings, they will project them onto you to use you as a distraction from their sins.
Therefore, don’t walk, run! This person is not the least bit healthy to be around!
3. 25 Signs of a toxic person:
They Constantly Criticize
Although this should be a no-brainer, many people are abused for so long they become rewired to take even more of it. However, the fact remains.
Anyone who makes you feel like crap shouldn’t be a part of your life and you should weed them out.
These people constantly criticize you. They seem to have a problem with every thing you do and how you do it. Moreover, they have a problem with how you look, what you wear, the way you keep your house… everything!
It seems they search for things to nitpick. These are folks you want to show the door to, quickly!
4. Stabbing you in the back
The backstabber is someone who is two-faced. They smile in your face but trash you once you’re not around.
Here’s something else to think about. If you have a friend who talks smack about their other friends to you, then you can bet the farm that they’re running their pie hole about you to the same friends when you’re not around to hear it.
This person will often pretend to be your friend. The sad thing is that you’re usually the last to know.
Therefore, you should never trust this person. Be careful what you share, not only with these people, but with anyone. Never share anything you wouldn’t want anyone to know.
Understand that this person isn’t worth knowing. So, take out the trash.
5. 25 Signs of a toxic person:
They’re a Shallow Hal.
If this person was any more plastic, they’d be a Barbie doll. This person is superficial and is constantly belittling other people’s weight, looks.
Moreover, they may talk trash about the clothes others wear, or the car they drive. So, have nothing more to do with this person.
6. Neediness.
The needy person always seems to be desperately searching for love, friendships, clients, etc. Then he complains when he doesn’t find them.
Moreover, they do this while looking past what’s right in front of their face and forgetting the people who’ve been there for them.
Understand that they aren’t worth your time and you should act as if they don’t exist!
7. Constantly One-Upping You.
This person one ups you every time you tell them of your blessings or anything good you accomplished. In other words, if you took a whizz, this person took two.
If you went out on a date, this person went on two dates- you get the picture.
Therefore, they’re all about themselves and is always trying to outdo you to look better than you. Ditch and switch, baby!
8. 25 Signs of a Toxic Person:
They invalidate your feelings.
Only you can know your inner reality. No one else can possibly be privy to that information.
If someone tells you how you feel, they claim to know the unknowable. Moreover, if they tell you how you should feel, they send the message that you don’t have a right to feel the way you do.
No one has the right to do that to you. No one! Tell them to take a hike.
9. They’re jealous of your good fortunes.
This person is never happy for you when you reach success. In other words, they secretly resent you each time you make an accomplishment.
Moreover, you can always tell because you will accidentally look out the corner of your eye. Then, you’ll see the tiny micro-flashes of contempt, they shoot at you when they think you aren’t looking.
What you need are cheerleaders- real friends around you, not frenemies who resent your successes. Chuck this person fast!
10. They like to stir the pot.
This is a person who loves to sow discord and division among others. They work as a double-agent.
In other words, they like to go back and forth, telling each person what the other said about them. And when the two quarreling people finally come to blows, this scumbag will then stand back and watch with glee as the two duke it out.
Get rid of this creep! Fast!
11. 25 Signs of a Toxic Person:
The Drama Queen
Closely related to the pot-stirrer, this bad egg is a chronic complainer and always seems to be in a jam. Their misfortune seems to be never-ending.
In other words, they have bad break after bad break.
Now, we all have times when we must vent, and we all have bad luck at times. That’s perfectly normal. But when it’s constant, you have to wonder if the person is, somehow, bringing much of it on themselves.
Moreover, they have a problem for every solution. These types are never happy and impossible to please. In fact, they will blame others for their misfortunes.
More importantly, drama queens and kings also tend to be suspicious of others. They’re the type who think that everyone is out to get them or everyone has ulterior motives.
And if they think everyone is out to get them, they’ll think you’re out to get them too and they will try to get you before you get them.
Additionally, if they have to do any kind of work, they’ll whine and bellyache about it.
Realize that bad moods have ways of spreading fast. No one wants to be around a nosebleed who whines constantly.
Therefore, stay away from this person because they’ll dog your mood.
12. Belittling and ridiculing your goals and dreams
when you talk about your dreams and aspirations, or celebrate an accomplishment, this person will pee all over it.
For example, if you decide to go back to school, your so-called friend will tell you that you’re not smart enough. They may even tell you that you’ll be doomed to fail.
Show this idiot the door because they’ll only drag you down. Even worse, they may cause you to doubt yourself and your capabilities.
13. 25 Signs of a Toxic Person:
They love to gossip.
This individual is a walking tabloid. You’ll see and hear her talking trash about different people and you’ll notice she does it all the time.
Moreover, she tell you everyone else’s business and might even broadcast her own to get you to divulge yours.
Many gossips will even talk about people they don’t know but have only heard about. They always seem to know everything about everyone– everything, short of their bathroom habits.
14. The person is nosy.
Virulently nosy! This snoop should be considered a twin sister to the gossip.
Why? Because most gossips tend to consistently have their face in everyone’s else’s business.
You will often find them asking others personal questions. They’ll ask them about their finances, how much they get paid. Heck! Some will even ask about their sex life or whether they have one!
Moreover, you’ll find them with their ear to the door, eavesdropping on conversations. Also, you may witness them eyeing others closely, butting in, and inserting their cheap two-cents where it doesn’t belong.
Therefore, it’s best to avoid these people at all costs!
15. 25 Signs of a Toxic Person:
Passive-Aggression.
These people will be those who subtly insult you and make backhanded compliments. In other words, they’ll hurl little zingers your way and make you feel like a total loser.
Moreover, this person is sneaky and should be avoided because if they even think you’ve slighted them somehow, they’ll unless a rash of covert attacks. And you won’t even see it coming until it’s too late.
Also, if they have an agenda and you just happen to be standing in their way, look out! They will make your life a living hell. This person is to be avoided at all costs!
Again, this is the person who doesn’t belong anywhere near you. So, do like Snoop Dog and “drop it like it’s hot!”
16. They make you feel like second choice.
If you have a so-called friend who only wants to talk to or spend time with you when their first option isn’t available, it’s time to walk away.
Don’t be second fiddle. Don’t be somebody’s option B, C, or D. Tell this creep to go pound sand!
17. They only come around when they want something.
Realize that this person doesn’t really love you for you, but only sees you as a convenience. In other words, they only love the benefits your friendship brings them.
These are the kinds of people who only show up when they’re in a jam and they need money, advice, or help with something.
You’re not a bank, you’re not Dear Abby, and you’re not a go-to person when someone needs help with something. Therefore, understand that you’re much more than that.
Sure. It’s great to want to help your family, friends, and your fellow man. Nothing wrong with that. But if they only take advantage of you, it’s time to cut them off and cut them loose!
18. 25 Signs of a Toxic Person:
They put out bad vibes
When we’re around some people we can sense that something is off about them. In other words, we pick up on the vibes and energies they put out that don’t feel quite right.
Always listen to your gut feeling because vibrations don’t lie. Then keep this person at arm’s length!
19. They’re fake.
These types of people are always trying to be someone they aren’t. However, if they aren’t happy with themselves, they won’t be happy with you either.
It’s best to eighty-six their butt! Pronto!
20. The attention-seeker
This person is also calling and texting because they need emotional support. Granted, there are times when we all need it
Also, they may show off.
However, if you have someone in your life who seems to constantly need it, or they’re constantly trying to show out to impress others, it may be time to cut ties. This kind of person is exhausting to be around and you must do what you must to protect your psychological well-being.
21. 25 Signs of Toxic People:
They thrive on manipulation.
This person manipulates the people around them to get what they want. They stretch the truth, tell little white lies and use circumstances to their advantage.
However, if they manipulate others, they’ll do it to you too. Avoid them at all costs!
22. They lay guilt trips.
These types of people will try making you feel guilty for not doing what they want you to do. Don’t fall for it and don’t capitulate to them. If you don’t want to do something, there’s no law that says you have to.
Avoid this person as well!
23. 25 Signs of a Toxic Person:
The pathological liar
This is a no-brainer. Avoid anyone who’s dishonest because you can never trust them.
24. The control freak
These types want to be in control all the time. They expect you to do everything their way instead of having your own way of getting things done.
Moreover, they want to have control over your life. And they don’t like to ask. They prefer to give orders.
If you have someone in your life who likes to tell you what to do, it’s best to sever ties and preserve your autonomy.
25. 25 Signs of a Toxic Person:
They’re arrogant.
This individual thinks they’re better than you. They’re condescending, patronizing, and look down their nose at anyone they think is less intelligent, has less money, or doesn’t measure up to their standards.
However, realize that their arrogance is only a cover for insecurities. Also, it’s a front to deceive people into believing that they’re better than what they are.
Walk away from this person!
If you want to protect yourself from all kinds of evil people, it’s important to know that anyone who abuses, mistreats, or disrespects you doesn’t deserve to be a part of your life. Understand that people who don’t value you are of no value to you.
Therefore, take out the trash.
In Conclusion:
You must create your own value, and you do this is by how you allow others to treat you. Therefore, treat yourself well and never settle for people who don’t see your worth.
Realize that it’s not your job to make other people’s lives easier, neither is it your responsibility to make them feel better about themselves.
Therefore, take back your self-respect and your power. Get rid of anyone who shows any of the above signs and save yourself a ton of future heartache.
Again, anyone who seems to suck the life out of you doesn’t deserve to be in your life. Although you can’t control their behavior, you do have a choice of whether to have any more to do with them.
You have more power than you realize. Use it and give these life-leeches the boot!
This post was all about the 25 signs of a toxic person so that you can know who to part with and preserve your self-esteem and overall mental health.
Related posts you’ll enjoy:
1. Signs of Gaslighting: The 7 Signs You Must Know
2. Fake Friends: 13 Surefire Signs They Don’t Like You for You
3. Phrases to Shut Down a Gaslighter: 9 Powerful Statements to Use
Wow, I didn’t realize there were that many signs! My question is where the fine line is between being a target and becoming a drama king/queen. Sometimes, I wished I could have talked about my bullying experience but was afraid of looking like a drama king.
You make a valid point there, Michael! I’ve often wondered about that myself. I’ll do research on this and may do a post on this very topic in the future. Thank you so much for your comment!