How to Deal With Toxic People and Actually Succeed at It

I’ll Show You the Best Ways to Deal With Toxic People

Dealing with toxic people can be tough, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. We’ve all had those moments where someone’s negative energy or bad behavior leaves us feeling drained and upset.

The good news is that you don’t have to tolerate it. With the right strategies and mindset, you can protect yourself, set healthy boundaries, and take back your peace of mind.

In this post, I’ll teach you how to deal with toxic people, based on what’s worked for me.

Whether it’s learning to walk away, speak up for yourself, or protect your energy, these tips will help you build a life that’s free from unnecessary negativity.

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1. Set Clear Boundaries

Setting boundaries is one of the best ways to protect yourself from toxic people. I used to feel guilty about saying “no” or putting limits on how much time I spent with certain people.

But I realized that setting clear boundaries helps me keep my peace. It’s okay to say no when you don’t feel comfortable, and it’s okay to take a break when you need it.

Start small by telling people when you need space or if certain behavior is bothering you. When you set clear boundaries, you teach others how to treat you.

2. Limit or Cut Off Contact

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your peace of mind is to limit or completely cut off contact with toxic people. I used to stay in touch with people who drained me, thinking I could “fix” the relationship.

But I learned that, sometimes, walking away is the healthiest choice. If someone is constantly bringing negativity into your life, you don’t need to keep them in it.

Start by limiting your time with them and see how you feel. If it’s still toxic, it might be time to let go for good.

3. Stay Calm and Don’t Engage in Drama

Toxic people often thrive on drama and chaos, but you don’t have to participate. I used to get caught up in arguments or heated conversations, trying to prove my point.

Now, I stay calm and simply walk away when things get heated. Engaging with toxic people only drains your energy.

Instead of getting caught in the drama, take a deep breath, stay grounded, and exit the situation. You don’t have to explain yourself—just stay calm and don’t feed into their negativity.

4. Communicate Assertively, Not Aggressively

Being assertive is about standing up for yourself in a clear, respectful way. I’ve learned that being passive doesn’t help, but being aggressive doesn’t either.

So now, when I need to speak up, I do it calmly but firmly. For example, instead of yelling or being passive, I simply say, “I don’t appreciate that behavior,” or “That’s not okay with me.”

This helps me express my feelings without being disrespectful. Assertiveness helps you set boundaries and communicate your needs without hurting anyone.

5. Seek Support from Trusted Friends or Family

Wondering how to deal with toxic people? Well, let me tell you, you don’t have to deal with toxic people alone.

I’ve found that talking to trusted friends or family members helps me see things more clearly. Sometimes, I just need to vent or get a second opinion on a situation.

Sharing my feelings with people who care about me reminds me that I’m not alone and that I deserve support. If you’re dealing with toxic people, lean on your support system for advice, encouragement, and perspective.

6. Prioritize Your Mental and Emotional Health

Your mental and emotional health should always come first. I used to let toxic people drain me, but I realized it wasn’t worth it.

I started focusing on what makes me feel calm and happy—whether that’s exercising, journaling, or just taking a quiet moment for myself.

When you prioritize your well-being, you protect yourself from the negative impact of toxic people. Don’t let anyone or anything take away your peace of mind.

7. Reflect on Your Values and Stay Aligned with Them

Toxic people can sometimes make you question your values or who you are. I’ve found it helpful to reflect on what truly matters to me—like kindness, honesty, and respect.

When I stay true to my values, I can make decisions that protect my peace, even if others don’t agree. Knowing what you stand for helps you avoid being dragged into unhealthy situations.

Keep your values at the center of your decisions, and don’t let anyone push you away from them.

8. Don’t Take Their Behavior Personally

It’s easy to think toxic people are treating you badly because of something you did. But I’ve learned that their behavior is more about them than it is about me.

Toxic people often act out of their own insecurities or issues. When you stop taking their actions personally, you can protect your self-esteem.

Remember, how they treat you says more about them than it does about you.

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9. Be Mindful of Your Energy and Who You Share It With

Not everyone deserves your time and energy. I’ve become more mindful of where I invest my energy. If someone constantly takes from me without giving anything back, I start to pull away.

Protecting your energy means not letting toxic people drain you. Be careful of who you spend time with—make sure the people you surround yourself with lift you up, not bring you down.

10. Practice Detachment, Emotionally and Mentally

Sometimes, the best way to deal with toxic people is to detach from their behavior. I used to get really wrapped up in other people’s moods, but I realized that I can choose how I respond.

Now, I try to stay emotionally and mentally detached from negativity. This doesn’t mean I don’t care—it just means I don’t let their negativity affect me.

Practicing detachment helps me stay calm and focused on my own peace.

11. Stay Focused on Your Goals and Ignore Distractions

Toxic people love to distract you from your goals and dreams. I’ve learned to stay focused on what matters most to me. When someone tries to drag me into drama or negativity, I remind myself of my goals.

Staying focused on your path helps you ignore distractions and stay on track. Don’t let toxic people take your attention away from what you’re working toward.

12. Don’t Tolerate Manipulation or Gaslighting

Manipulation and gaslighting are forms of control, and I’ve learned that I don’t have to tolerate them. When someone tries to twist the truth or make me feel crazy, I speak up or walk away.

I’ve learned to trust my own feelings and reality. Don’t let anyone make you question what you know is true. Stand firm and protect yourself from manipulative behavior.

13. Educate Yourself on Toxic Behaviors and Red Flags

Understanding toxic behaviors helps you spot them early. I’ve spent time learning about red flags, like constant criticism, disrespect, or trying to control others.

When I can spot these behaviors early, I can protect myself before things get worse. Educate yourself on what to look for in toxic people so you can avoid being caught off guard.

14. Use Humor to Deflect Negative Energy When Possible

Humor is a great way to deflect negative energy. I’ve found that making a joke or laughing things off helps take the power away from toxic people.

When they try to bring negativity into the conversation, I respond with light humor to shift the energy.

This doesn’t mean I’m ignoring the problem, but it helps me keep things light and not let them get under my skin. Sometimes, laughter is the best defense.

15. How to Deal with Toxic People? Set Consequences for Toxic Behavior

When you set boundaries, it’s important to set consequences for toxic behavior too. I used to let people get away with things that made me uncomfortable because I didn’t want to cause conflict.

But I learned that if I don’t set consequences, toxic people will keep pushing boundaries.

For example, if someone continuously disrespects you, you can tell them that you won’t tolerate it and will need to take a break from the relationship.

Setting consequences helps protect your peace and shows others that you value yourself enough to stand up for your needs.

16. Limit Exposure to Social Media or Toxic Environments

Social media can be a huge source of negativity, especially when toxic people are involved. I used to spend hours scrolling through feeds that left me feeling bad about myself or stressed out.

Now, I limit my time on social media and unfollow accounts that bring me down. If I feel like a certain online space or environment is making me anxious or upset, I take a step back.

Protecting yourself from negative environments, both online and offline, is essential to your well-being.

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17. Practice Forgiveness, but Don’t Forget the Lessons Learned

Forgiveness is powerful, but it doesn’t mean you have to forget the lessons learned from toxic people. I used to think that forgiving someone meant I had to let them back into my life.

But I learned that forgiveness is more for me than for them. It’s about releasing the anger and hurt that toxic people caused me, but I also make sure I remember the lessons and red flags I learned.

By forgiving, I’m freeing myself from carrying negative emotions, but I’m also protecting myself from repeating the same mistakes.

18. Trust Your Intuition When Deciding Who to Trust

Our intuition is powerful, and I’ve learned to trust mine when it comes to toxic people. There have been times when something just didn’t feel right about a person, even when I couldn’t explain why.

I used to ignore that gut feeling, but now, I trust it. If something feels off, I pay attention and keep my distance. Trusting your intuition helps you avoid toxic people before they can hurt you.

19. Learn to Walk Away Gracefully When Necessary

Walking away from a toxic person doesn’t always have to be dramatic. I used to think I had to explain myself or justify my decision to leave, but I realized that sometimes, the best thing to do is simply walk away.

There’s no need to engage in a big fight or argument. By walking away gracefully, I maintain my peace and dignity.

It’s okay to step away from people who no longer serve your well-being, and you don’t need to feel guilty for protecting yourself.

20. Speak Up for Yourself When Necessary, without Guilt

Sometimes, you have to speak up for yourself, even if it feels uncomfortable. I used to stay quiet when toxic people said things that upset me, thinking it would avoid conflict.

But I learned that speaking up helps protect my feelings and my boundaries. Now, when someone crosses a line, I calmly tell them how I feel.

I’ve realized that I don’t need to feel guilty for standing up for myself—it’s about respecting myself and showing others how to treat me.

21. Practice Self-Compassion and Avoid Self-Blame

This might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about how to deal with toxic people, but hear me out.

Dealing with toxic people can leave you feeling drained, but it’s important not to blame yourself for their behavior. I used to wonder if it was something I did that caused someone to be toxic toward me.

But I learned that their behavior is about them, not me. Practicing self-compassion helps me remind myself that I’m doing the best I can and deserve respect. Be kind to yourself, and don’t let their actions make you doubt your worth.

22. Cultivate Mindfulness to Stay Grounded in Difficult Situations

Mindfulness helps me stay calm and grounded when dealing with toxic people. I used to react impulsively in tense situations, but now I take a moment to pause and breathe.

By staying mindful, I can respond thoughtfully instead of emotionally. This helps me avoid getting pulled into their negativity and allows me to maintain control over my reactions.

Practicing mindfulness helps me stay focused on the present moment, rather than getting caught up in drama or stress.

23. Avoid Gossiping or Speaking Ill of Toxic Individuals

It can be tempting to gossip about toxic people, but I’ve found that it only adds fuel to the fire. Talking badly about someone behind their back doesn’t change the situation—it just keeps the negativity going.

I try to avoid speaking ill of toxic individuals because it doesn’t serve me. Instead, I focus on letting go of the negativity and protecting my own energy.

If I need to talk about it, I do so with someone I trust, but without getting caught in a cycle of gossip.

24. Stay Confident and Maintain Your Self-Worth

Toxic people can try to make you feel small, but I’ve learned that I am worthy of respect and love. Even when someone tries to bring me down, I remind myself of my strengths and what I stand for.

Staying confident helps me stay grounded and not let their words or actions affect my self-worth.

No one else gets to define who I am—only I do. When you maintain your confidence, you protect yourself from the impact of toxic people.

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25. Reassess Relationships Regularly to Ensure They Align with Your Values

I’ve learned that it’s important to check in with myself about the relationships I’m in. Sometimes, we don’t realize that a relationship has become toxic until it’s already hurting us.

Regularly reassessing my relationships helps me make sure that the people I’m spending time with align with my values.

If someone’s behavior doesn’t match my values of kindness, respect, and support, I know it’s time to reevaluate that relationship.

Keeping track of how people make you feel helps you avoid staying in unhealthy relationships.

What’s your opinion on how to deal with toxic people?