A note by Wes Annac, Culture of Awareness

When you’re dealing with a toxic person (or toxic people), the best thing you can do is starve them of your time, attention and energy.

You may think it’s best to reach out to them and try to meet them on their level or have them meet you on yours, but every time, they’ll drag you down and put you in a position where you have to verbally defend yourself – even when they’re the one causing conflict.

No amount of abuse they suffered earlier in life makes it okay for them to be nasty toward you, but most of the time, they’ll be nasty anyway and they’ll do it every chance they get.

They’ll thrive from getting a reaction out of you, especially if your reaction is strong because then, they’ve made it appear as if you’re the unhinged one.

As much as it may hurt you to realize, they can’t be helped until they decide to help themselves. There’s nothing you can do; they will continue to create conflict and make your life worse until you distance yourself.

They may try to be friendly once they realize they’re losing you, but if you don’t maintain your distance they’ll pull you right back in.

Once you empower yourself, you’ll realize you never had to put up with their bullshit in the first place. You did it out of empathy, kindness and openheartedness, but now, it’s time to look out for yourself. Your inner peace depends on it.