In our lives, interactions with others are inevitable, whether we are in a crowd or alone. Navigating numerous relationships over time often leads to one fundamental inquiry:

Is this individual beneficial or detrimental to my well-being?

While this seems straightforward, many of us only recognize the toxicity of certain relationships after they’ve ended. It’s not until we’ve distanced ourselves from a person that we realize the negative influence they had on us.

Imagine if we could gauge these interactions in real-time, allowing us to discern their effects as they happen. To initiate this process, consider the following questions. You can apply these to assess challenging individuals or use them as a gratitude exercise to appreciate the positive influences in your life.

Here are some questions to help you determine who adds value and who detracts from your life.

These questions can help you figure it out.

1. Are they supportive or harmful?

Toxic individuals tend to bring harm rather than help. They may appear kind to everyone else but treat you differently, intentionally making you feel bad. Their offers of assistance often come with conditions and rarely materialize when you need them.

Conversely, supportive people follow through on their commitments, genuinely aiming to make your life easier.

2. Do they provoke you or safeguard your emotions?

If someone is toxic, they will likely know what triggers you and exploit those vulnerabilities. They exacerbate your weaknesses instead of being considerate of your feelings.

In contrast, someone who values your emotions will steer clear of your sensitive areas and respond with empathy.

3. Are they indifferent or nurturing?

Toxic individuals often lack the desire to uplift you during tough times. They may dismiss your feelings, telling you to "get over it" or "stop being sensitive."

On the other hand, nurturing individuals recognize when you need extra support and provide it.

4. Do they make you feel confused or at peace?

Toxic people are often skilled at gaslighting, causing you to doubt your own sanity. If your interactions with someone leave you feeling unsettled or questioning yourself, they may be a negative presence.

In contrast, those who bring you peace and confidence are valuable allies in your life.

5. Do they bring you joy or drain your energy?

Consider how someone affects your mood. If their presence makes you feel drained or unhappy, it’s a strong indicator of toxicity.

Positive individuals enhance your joy and uplift your spirits.

These questions serve as tools for self-awareness. Understanding how people influence your emotional landscape can empower you to navigate relationships more effectively.

While avoiding toxic individuals entirely may not be feasible, recognizing their impact allows you to protect your emotional health and develop strategies to cope.

Too often, we second-guess our instincts, placing others' opinions above our own feelings, which can lead to detrimental relationships.

These inquiries can help you identify unhealthy connections while also appreciating the wonderful people in your life!

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

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