There are many types of toxic people with names like mom, dad, sister, brother, coworker, etc.

A “Toxic person” is often used to describe someone manipulative, self-centered, needy, or controlling, even if they do not seem to be.

These behaviors may come from deep-seated feelings of low self-esteem and mental health problems like narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), childhood trauma, or other deeply rooted personal issues.

Research also shows that some people who act in harmful ways may have certain “dark core” traits. People with these traits tend to put their goals and interests ahead of everyone else’s and make excuses for their actions so they do not feel guilty or ashamed.

But the fact that there might be a reason for the bad behavior does not make it any less harmful. And if someone does this to you, it can be confusing, hurtful, and even make you feel like you did something wrong.

You may tell if someone is “toxic” more by how they make you feel than by what they do or say.

If you are with someone who acts in a harmful way, you might:

• Feel confused and not sure what to do

• Leave the interaction feeling drained, angry, or full of anxiety

• In some way, feel bad about yourself

• Feel the need to help them all the time.

• Notice that your boundaries are not being respected or that you are being manipulated

• Feel bad about saying “no” or think that “no” is not the final answer.

• Feel like you have to “walk on eggshells” around them

• Change how you often act to adapt.

It might not be easy to spot people whose habits are harmful. But besides how they make you feel, there are a few other things you can look for to tell if someone is toxic.

• There might be trouble wherever they go, and their life might seem like a TV soap opera.

• They can be very good at getting what they want, but you might not realize it until you see them do it to someone else.

• They might always be judging people, even you.

• Their neediness can be overwhelming, but they are nowhere to be found when you need them.

• They might not think that they are the problem. They might think that it is everyone else’s fault.

• Or, if they have toxic positivity, they may be so happy about everything that they will not admit that there are real problems.

So, what do you do to get rid of them?

To get away from toxic people, you must accept that they will never change. This rarely happens, even if they want to change and say they will. Poisonous people only care about themselves and not about you.

• Make a Clean Break—It is sad, but sometimes you have to stop being friends with someone. You need to do this for your own health and happiness. Just cut them out of your life, make a clean break, and move on.

• Be firm- It is likely that the people who are bad for you will not just leave. They might even refuse to leave you alone and dig in their heels. Stop this from happening. Make it clear that you want to end the relationship, and do not change your mind.

• Set Limits—Make clear limits and stick to them. When you end the relationship, you must ensure you do not cross any lines.

• They might fight you — Toxic people will fight you when you try to break up with them. They will keep trying to control and manipulate you, but if you stay strong and keep pushing back, they will leave you alone.

• Forgive, but do not forget: Forgiveness means letting go and moving on with your life. It does not mean you agree with the behavior or forget how it has hurt you before. That does not mean you are giving them a second chance. I suggest that you move on with your life and let go.

Remember that you are not to blame.

Toxic behavior can make you feel guilty even when you know you did nothing wrong.

It is hard to deal with attacks from someone who acts in the wrong way. They might attack you personally, try to twist what you say, or say you want to hurt them. You might even start to doubt yourself and think about what else you could have done.

But remember that what they do has nothing to do with you. Remind them of your limits and try not to take them personally when they hurt you. Take a few deep breaths to calm down, or listen carefully to what they say so you can let it go without being affected.