As an optimist, it is always hard to personally cut people out of my life. There are sleepless nights, endless conversations to ask all opinions, and of course lots of conversations with myself. In the end, cutting the toxic people out of your life is one of the most liberating things one can do, and what’s even better is that there is time to do it before the new year!

Toxic people don’t have to be friends, they can be co-workers, family members, significant others or basically anyone who you interact with. One thing I’ve learned the hard way over the years is that letting go, while it may seem hurtful, is less damaging than holding on to something bad. The first step is realizing that the relationship, while it may have good times, is not a good one for the long run. As we get older the relationships we have are not as casual as when we were fourteen. Especially significant others, these people could be by your side for a long long time, so you want to choose carefully.

Now I agree that it isn’t easy to just tell someone, “I’m sorry but you are someone I no longer want to be associated with,” but compared to the option of just disappearing, this is more respected. They will inevitably wonder, “What the heck, that is so random what did I do?” In the end the truth is there is no “good time” to break up a relationship, therefore why not make it happen before everyone starts deciding that this new year will feature a “new me.” Stand by your word and show the world that the new you deserve a wonderful relationship, one full or respect, selflessness and kindness.

It is common for people to think of those in their life as a symbol of added value or wealth. But if you have a ton of people in your life that are all crappy, then what good is it to have any of them? Instead we should be focusing on strengthening the good relationships we have that are genuine. Then, if at the end of the day you are left with a handful of people, then they are the ones you should value and never lose sight of.

Until you have those people, cut the rest out! The plus side is this way you can save money on holiday gifts before its too late…