1. Ignore them.
Toxic Behavior: The Silent Treatment
The silent treatment is a well-known tool often associated with narcissism. This is a form of punishment usually used to punish those who hold you accountable.
If you see someone doing this to you and not taking responsibility for their actions, report it back.
Avoid communicating with them until they are ready to admit their mistakes. Keep the ball in their court.
2. Put the spotlight back on them.
Toxic Behavior: Condescending Jokes
They say jokes can sometimes be based on real underlying feelings about someone. Toxic people know how to make insulting jokes at your expense under the guise of harmless fun.
When this happens, don't let it slip away, but ask them clarifying questions. Pretend you're trying to better understand their humor.
Doing this will catch them off guard and put them on notice that they can't insult you, play or not.
3. Disengage and walk away.
Toxic Behavior: Gaslighting
Gaslighting is what some call “in-your-face gaming.” Gaslighting is when someone tries to make you believe that your eyes and ears are misleading you when you have clear evidence of the facts.
If someone gaslights you, know that they are insulting your intelligence. They are intentionally dishonest with you and themselves.
Your only option is to disengage completely. Don't argue or fight to get them to believe you. Just shut up and walk away. Resistance is futile.
4. Don’t be fooled.
Toxic Behavior: Projecting Insecurities
People cope with feelings of inferiority by projecting their own insecurities onto others.
It’s a feeling of “if I can’t do it, you can’t do it either.” Speaking of your goals and aspirations to an insecure person may be met with skepticism and negativity.
The most important lesson here is to avoid internalizing their self-doubt and making it your own. Their insecurities really have nothing to do with you and are something they need to deal with on their own.
5. Judge them by their actions.
Toxic Behavior: Feigning Ignorance
If you've ever encountered someone pretending to be ignorant to avoid the consequences of their actions or actions, it can be very frustrating.
This behavior is also known as "playing dumb" or "playing dumb," and you need to recognize it without reacting.
Take their word for it, they don't know, but shift your focus to what they do. Actions speak louder than words, actions speak louder than words.
6. Respond with empathy.
Toxic Behavior: Guilt
There are times in your life when you have to say "no." As a result, some people will try their best to make you feel bad.
If someone tries to make you feel guilty for doing something that is in your best interest, be sympathetic but stand your ground.
Dysfunctional people will want you to put their needs before yours. Trust your instincts and stand firm in your beliefs and intentions.
