Most likely we all have encountered a toxic person at one time or another, but is there a way to detect that a person will be toxic when you first meet?
Toxic people drag us down, insult us, and make us feel miserable about ourselves.
These are feelings we want to avoid at all costs if possible, and some warning signs help you tell if someone is a toxic person in the first five minutes:
1. They Are Up in Everyone Else’s Business
Toxic people talk badly about other people. They start rumors, tell others’ secrets, and put down anyone who comes into contact with them. If someone you meet begins a conversation about the downfalls of another person, you have probably encountered a toxic person and should run for the door.
2. They Are Cocky
Toxic people are not humble. They enjoy talking about themselves in a way that exemplifies arrogance. Their projection of perfect is often unsettling and will catch you off guard. You might find it difficult to interject your voice into the conversation.
This is another sign that you need to get the hell out of there.
3. They Complain About Everything
A toxic person has little positive to say. Nothing seems to be going well for these individuals. They will always find something to be unhappy about regardless of the situation. If you encounter someone who begins babbling more negative comments than you can count, it’s time to make a subtle excuse to leave.
4. They Act Like They are Better Than You
This is pretty easy to spot. If you meet someone who instantly starts putting you down, you have encountered a toxic person. These people will tell you about their so-called-perfect lives and wait for your response. Then they will pounce on the opportunity to tear your worldview apart. Don’t let it happen, just quietly exit.
5. They Are Not Interested in Your Needs
A toxic person is not interested in your needs. They will not ask you a lot/if any questions. They will often lead one-sided conversations. They are terrible listeners. If you find an opening to talk about something that requires a decent piece of advice, sorry, you will not receive it. You will have better luck speaking to a scarecrow about your problems.
6. They Show No Empathy
Empathy is not in a toxic person’s vocabulary. They do not know or care to view situations from other people’s perspectives. They will quickly state their opinions and not pause to hear another side for they always feel that they are right. This is discerning, to say the least, and will probably make your skin crawl as you look into their emotionless eyes.
7. They Are Never Satisfied
Nothing is ever good enough for these individuals. They will always find something wrong and will never be satisfied even during joyous occasions. You can try to offer positive feedback or provide a compliment, but nine times out of ten times, they will add a negative twist to any positive effort you make.
8. They Make You Feel Like Crap
It is only obvious that such a negative diva would make others feel incredibly uncomfortable. You may find yourself sitting in complete awkwardness as a toxic individual brags excessively, puts you down, and complains about everything in life. This person’s presence and condescending attitude can make you feel worthless and meek.
To be blunt: it probably won’t even take you five minutes to discover that you are in the presence of a truly toxic person.
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About the Author: Amanda Clark resides with her family in Ocala, Florida. In addition to contributing works for Peace Quarters, she also creates educational content for Atlas Mission. She is recently transitioning from a full-time middle school English teacher to a stay-at-home mom, tutor, transcriber, and writer. She has written four books of poetry: Looking at the Moon, Beautifully Mixed-Up World, Flying Fall, and Through the Blinds. She loves technology, juggling pins, and playing with her two-year-old son who will become a big brother in February. She also is a pro at multitasking.
