Toxic people can invade our lives and create havoc on relationships. But we can find positive ways to respond to them.
I experienced a toxic person last year who wrote an unkind comment on my blog after I posted about National Stepfamily Day. I had highlighted what being a stepparent is all about and affirmed stepparents for the important role they play. The comment came from a mom I didn’t know who was offended by my terminology. This mantra immediately came to mind:
I considered how to reply to her comment:
“Being a stepparent involves knowing your role and not over stepping your boundaries!!!! Being a stepparent does not involve calling the REAL PARENT BIO. I would be very disgusted if my child came back calling me BIO MOM. You need to stop that. You’re a stepparent. It’s not your place to give the Parents names other than MOM or DAD.”
I read the comment again, wondering why she had capitalized mom, dad, bio, and real parent. Perhaps she wanted to emphasize the importance of being a “real parent” over a stepparent. It’s not the first time I’d seen unkind comments on my blog toward a stepparent. I don’t like them. But I can choose whether I’m offended by it. And I can do my part to promote peace in the midst of it.
When confronted by toxic people, remember:
You don’t have to give another person power over your emotions.
Mahatma Gandhi reportedly said it this way: “Nobody can hurt me without my permission.”
Stepfamilies often foster tense relationships as a result of unhealed hurts. If we spend our time trying to change our stepchildren or fretting over an ex-spouse’s behavior, we end up frustrated. With intentional effort, however, we can promote positive attitudes and behavior with unreasonable people.
Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” If our spouse’s ex learns we’re not going to fight back when he/she invokes drama, the game ends. If we don’t react to our stepchild’s unreasonable behavior, it’s more likely to stop.
Our peace of mind is too valuable for us to allow a toxic person’s words to offend or anger us. Someone needs to be the reasonable one in an unreasonable person’s life. I’m not saying taking on that role will come naturally or that any of us would get it right every time. But with God’s help, we can take the high road.
Remember the apostle Paul’s words: “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” Philippians 4:13.
If you would like a free 8×10 printable of the “I am in control of my emotions” image, you may download it by clicking here.
Hey I would love some advice about how to cope with a toxic person.
Hello Tess, Thank you for your comment. Toxic people can be a challenge. The best way to manage them is through healthy boundary setting. Have you read any of the boundary series that Drs. Cloud and Townsend wrote? They are great in helping to understand our part in managing relationships, especially those that can be difficult. I would highly recommend “Boundaries,” “Beyond Boundaries” or any of their books. I pray God’s blessings as you work toward healthy boundaries in your relationships. Gayla