Unfortunately, not every person we meet has a positive effect on our lives. There are some people you meet who you don't vibe well with, and then there are those who are just genuinely bad influences that need to be steered clear of. Here are just a few toxic types of individuals that we've all dealt with, and who we all need to be rid of.
1. The "Brad" type:
This is the type of person who leads you on, plays with your emotions like it's his Xbox game he's obsessed with and tells you you're the only one (eye roll). This person will make you happy for a couple weeks at most until they decide they're bored and will start the whole process over again.. with someone else! This type of person acts like they care about you, but their intentions are never honorable. Do not waste your emotions or time on these people by hoping that they will suddenly realize the error in their ways and come back fighting for your love because they will not. Just run very far away from them!
2. The jokingly hurtful friend:
This so-called "friend" is always super joking and sarcastic, and is always prepared to make people laugh. Usually, their jokes are funny until they hit on your insecurities that they know about so well. Once is one thing, but maybe they keep hitting those insecurities like it's their own punching bag.
Let's be clear, this type of person is not your friend. Real friends do not make fun of your insecurities; they help you improve them and tell you that you are perfect just the way you are. Don't surround yourself with this type of person who makes you feel anything less than amazing.
3. The type who only wants, but never gives:
This type comes in many forms:
The person who sits next to you in class who always asks for the answers but never offers any sort of academic help - not even a stick of gum for your troubles.
The one in your friend group who always needs emotional help, which is perfectly fine, but when you need a little support, they are always "busy".
Your significant other who seems to always be in the mood for sexual activities, but never any extra couple activities.
The other one in your friend group who always bails on plans ten minutes after you were supposed to meet up.
The friend that you always sit next to in class...if they ever showed up to class. But you're friends, so you can always spare your thought out notes and time to teach them when they could have just come to class..right?
Providing help to others isn't a bad thing, but these leeches who are only taking advantage of you is a different subject. You shouldn't only offer help just because you expect something in return, but a good relationship (romantic, friendship, or classmate) should be based on mutual respect and benefits. These types don't respect you, your time, or your friendship.
4. The "stuck at 17" type:
Sure, we have all done some stupid things: activities that our parents wouldn't approve of, gone off track a few times. Gotta live while we're still young. There's nothing wrong with it when you're that age. At some point, you are going to have to prioritize. Activities you find fun should never have to cease. But, when they start interfering with your future and goals, that is when you must knock them down on the priority list.
This type of person only wants to stay in that rebellious, without responsibility teenager stage without any repercussions. Those who hinder you from your dreams and goals shouldn't be a part of your life. If they can't dream and grow with you, they will only root you to the ground. Reach for the stars!
5. The lovingly controlling type:
This person loves you so much that they want to preserve you in one specific way. No room for personal opinion or freedom. This is the significant other who doesn't let you wear makeup or go out with your girls. This is the person who has to approve of what you are wearing before you go anywhere, whether it's with them or not. This is the person who checks every contact you have in your phone to make sure they won't be an issue.
The one who makes sure no other person of sexual gender preference will look at you, who wants you to look a specific way, who has your location at all times, and who compels you to ask permission to do anything. This is the toxic significant other who does not love you for you, but for who they want you to be. Love yourself for you and recognize that this toxicity does not belong in your life.
