There are things in life that are obviously toxic: oil spills, numerous household cleaners, and that funky smell in the fridge left by some coworker’s lunch. But there are things that are equally bad for us yet not as obvious – namely, certain friendships.
Toxic friendships leave us feeling exhausted, emotional, and bad about ourselves. But these dysfunctional relationships can also be dangerous to our health. A recent study by researchers at UCLA found that toxic friendships can lead to inflammation in the body that, over time, can cause serious health problems including heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.
They don’t call them toxic for nothing!
While toxic friendships are dissatisfying and ultimately draining, many of us find ending them challenging. We believe the pain of the relationship is more manageable than the pain …show more content…
Here are some right and wrong ways to go about it:
RIGHT: Take Responsibility for Your Part in the Dynamic
The first thing you must do is take some responsibility for the friendship. You’re not a victim; no one stuck a gun to your head and forced you to be their friend. If they did, then that would indeed be a very toxic relationship.
Take some time to look honestly at your part in the relationship. Why did you let it go on as long as you did? What personal patterns or behavior can you spot that require further attention? What lessons have you learned?
Often toxic relationships are a result of a low self-esteem. We seek relationships that support our limiting and false beliefs. We’re not good enough, we don’t deserve positive attention, it is our personal responsibility to take care of everyone else.
Becoming aware of why you became involved in a dysfunctional relationship is the first step to breaking the pattern.
RIGHT: Commit to Healthy
Toxic friendships leave us feeling exhausted, emotional, and bad about ourselves. But these dysfunctional relationships can also be dangerous to our health. A recent study by researchers at UCLA found that toxic friendships can lead to inflammation in the body that, over time, can cause serious health problems including heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.
They don’t call them toxic for nothing!
While toxic friendships are dissatisfying and ultimately draining, many of us find ending them challenging. We believe the pain of the relationship is more manageable than the pain …show more content…
Here are some right and wrong ways to go about it:
RIGHT: Take Responsibility for Your Part in the Dynamic
The first thing you must do is take some responsibility for the friendship. You’re not a victim; no one stuck a gun to your head and forced you to be their friend. If they did, then that would indeed be a very toxic relationship.
Take some time to look honestly at your part in the relationship. Why did you let it go on as long as you did? What personal patterns or behavior can you spot that require further attention? What lessons have you learned?
Often toxic relationships are a result of a low self-esteem. We seek relationships that support our limiting and false beliefs. We’re not good enough, we don’t deserve positive attention, it is our personal responsibility to take care of everyone else.
Becoming aware of why you became involved in a dysfunctional relationship is the first step to breaking the pattern.
RIGHT: Commit to Healthy