Our relationships impact us more than we realize, whether they're casual, romantic or friendly.
The people we choose to surround ourselves with can change who we are: both positively, and negatively.
If you're feeling unhappy or have a poor outlook on life, it can actually be the result of one or some of the relationships you have in your lives.
If this sounds familiar, consider the types of people you should let go of, for the sake of your own happiness. There are many kinds of toxic people. Here are five.
1. The ones who say "let's get together soon" but never follow through.
In our lives, we make time for what's important to us.
If someone isn't making the effort to spend time with you face to face, you're not that important to them.
It's a harsh reality, but you should stop making excuses for them and why they never seem to follow through with plans. Instead, focus on strengthening your relationships with the people who go out of their way and make the effort to be a part of your life.
2. The ones who are always one-upping you.
If you get a promotion, they get a new job.
If you go on a great date, they get engaged.
If you get a parking ticket, they tell you how horrible it was that one time 10 years ago when they crashed their car.
Their birthday is more important than your birthday.
If someone can't be happy for you without throwing in their two cents about their own achievement or how their struggles are worse than yours, then they shouldn't be in your life. It's as simple as that.
3. The ones who can't be trusted.
Trust is key to any relationship and once it is lost, it can be nearly impossible to win back.
People who are always gossiping to you are probably also gossiping about you and sharing things you've said in confidence.
While it is possible to maintain relationships with these people by sharing less and knowing anything you say to them will likely be repeated, it's probably best to just steer clear of them. You will never really know if they're being honest with you.
4. The ones who don't support you.
You have to surround yourself with people who are there for you: in good times, and in bad times.
People who abandon you when times get tough are not worth your attention. Someone who can't be happy for you in your successes or help you out when something goes wrong is not someone you need or want in your life.
5. The ones who are always the victim.
These people are always making excuses for their circumstances.
Nothing is ever their fault. They have probably blamed you in the past for their mistakes and are constantly claiming the world is against them.
Part of being an adult is knowing when you messed up, taking responsibility for your actions, and doing your best to make up for your mistake.
If someone never owns up to anything then they will probably never change and you should move forward in your life without them.
