Do you want to know if you are becoming a toxic person? Being toxic doesn’t mean you’re evil. It’s often a pattern of behavior that pushes people away and creates negative environments. These signs can manifest in various ways, from constant negativity to manipulating others. Knowing the signs can help you change and grow.

Always Being Negative

Are you always the person who sees the glass half empty? Constant negativity can drain the people around you and create a hostile environment. This fact is not just anecdotal; research shows that negativity can have a detrimental impact on group dynamics and individual well-being.

Manipulating People for Personal Gain

If you find yourself manipulating situations or people to your advantage without concern for others, that’s a red flag. Psychology experts often note that manipulation for personal gain can indicate a lack of empathy, a common trait in toxic individuals.

Unwilling to Apologize

Everybody makes mistakes; it’s a part of being human. However, if you find it hard to apologize or admit when you’re wrong, it can push people away. According to psychology experts, the inability to apologize often stems from an inflated sense of self-importance.

Backstabbing and Gossip

Talking negatively about people behind their backs is not only hurtful but also toxic. Research indicates that gossip and backstabbing can erode trust within social or professional circles, making you a toxic element in those settings.

Ignoring Boundaries

Respecting other people’s boundaries is crucial in any relationship. If you continually cross these lines without regard for others’ feelings, it’s a sign of toxic behavior. For example, if someone tells you they’re uncomfortable discussing a particular topic, and you keep bringing it up, you’re not respecting their boundaries.

Blaming Others

When something goes wrong, is your first instinct to blame someone else? A tendency to avoid taking responsibility is often noted as a sign of being a toxic person. Per the experts in psychology, this behavior can prevent personal growth and maintain a cycle of negativity.

Always Needing to Be the Center of Attention

Craving attention is natural to some extent, but constantly needing to be the focus can be draining for those around you. This behavior often stems from deep-seated insecurities and can make you a challenging person to be around.

You’re Never Happy for Others

When someone shares good news, do you genuinely feel happy for them, or do you feel jealous? Being unable to share in others’ happiness can indicate that you’ve become toxic. Medical professionals often link this behavior to low self-esteem and high levels of insecurity.

Interrupting and Dominating Conversations

If you find it hard to let others speak or feel the need to dominate every conversation, people might find it exhausting to be around you. Examples from social psychology suggest that dominating conversations can lead to isolation and missed opportunities for meaningful interaction.

Self-Absorbed Behavior

Being preoccupied with your own needs and feelings at the expense of others can make you toxic. People who are self-absorbed often ignore the needs and feelings of others, making it difficult to maintain healthy relationships.

Recognizing these signs in yourself is the beginning of a journey toward improvement. After all, the first step in solving any problem is admitting that there’s one to solve. Changing toxic behaviors is often a long process, but it’s entirely possible with commitment and self-awareness.

Further Reading: What Happens When You Grow Up With Toxic Parents?