For some people, it may take a while in realizing that somebody is "toxic." More times than not, a person will end up growing and learning from the situation that they may have encountered with a person like such. It is a very unfortunate situation when a close friend of ours or maybe even a co-worker is a negative influence, and as hard as it may be, it is typical to block them on social media, delete their phone number and just cut them out of your life. Sounds like a lot of trouble and stress, but that is probably the best way to go about it, as it could be a lot worse. It is sad, but definitely not uncommon for this toxic person to be in disguise as a family member. Then one begins to wonder, is blood really thicker than water? Whether it be an aunt or a best friend, protect yourself from toxicity. You do not need to stand for it.

Now, how do you know if somebody is said to be "toxic?" There is a wide spectrum of negative behavior and qualities that could be considered so. A lot of the time, a person who fits this term likes to "twist the story." The two of you could have an argument about something and you know that it blatantly was their wrongdoing. Somehow, with their magical mind tricks are able to twist the story to make it like they are the victim in the whole situation, and that you were the one to blame. A toxic person cannot take the blame for themselves. They are always the victim.

Tendencies to be very jealous, selfish and insensitive are all prime examples of a toxic person's attitude. They never have anything nice to say about anyone, because they simply are just jealous. They do not feel bad if they put you down, or make you feel bad about yourself; if anything, they get pleasure out of doing that, which pretty much makes them what we all know as a bully. As if that sounds awful enough, they cannot stomach the fact that they could possibly be wrong in a situation, and will fight you that they are right until the cows come home. We all know somebody that you cannot argue with because you will never win, and it does not necessarily mean that they are toxic, but no matter what, after a while, you just give up and yes them to death.

Compulsive lying is one quality that can be very harmful, and many toxic people have been known to have this quality. This is the big one that can get people into a lot of trouble. Ever listen to someone telling a story, and you keep nodding your head "yes," yet you know inside that every single little word spilling out of their mouth is a lie? It is saddening to believe, but sometimes these people lie so much, that they actually begin to believe their own lies. The well-known sayings "your mouth can only get you in trouble," and "it takes over one hundred lies to cover up one," are truthful, no pun intended. Lying never gets you anywhere, and most of the time, we know when somebody is doing it. Do not surround yourself with those types of people.

Every normal human being has bad days. your car breaks down so you're late to work. You get food poisoning and end up vomiting in public. You lose your wallet full of money and other important gadgets in Epcot Center, Disney World. Things happen, everyone has bad luck at some point in their life. However, a person who is poisonous to be around is always having bad luck and always in the middle of a dispute with somebody it may seem. This is because they create their own drama. They want pity and need a fight. They thrive on drama and live for the sympathy and attention they are getting from others. This is not a healthy environment to place yourself in, especially if you are one who likes to be positive and stay drama-free.

The sad thing is, in some cases, the toxic individual will not have malicious intentions at all, and not even realize themselves that they are poisonous. It really is not healthy in any sort to surround yourself with toxic people who may be hurting you. It is not easy letting go, so if you really care for that person that deeply and truly, try getting them professional help, and/or talking to them. It is possible that they may not be purposely harming, and could have some kind of a mental illness and they need support and help. We as people need to raise each other up, and not tear each other down. We can only learn to love by loving. If they desperately do not want your help, then the painful truth is that you cannot save them. You need to decide for yourself if it is worth the fight. To live healthy is to live happily.