We all know that toxic relationships are a major cause for concern and something we should strive to avoid whenever and wherever possible.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always as easy as it sounds. For example, your boss may be a narcissist, or even a racist; but because you need that paycheck at the end of the month, you can’t tell them what to do with their job, so you grit your teeth and try to ignore their behavior as you continue the grind.
However, some of the things which folks have labeled as ‘toxic’ are actually the opposite. They are in fact tools that we employ as a means of self-preservation, ways in which we choose to maintain our dignity, or simply our way of stating that we are not going to undervalue our personal worth.
The sad truth is that if we choose to put our mental health and emotional wellbeing first, some of the folks in our life will label that behavior as ‘toxic’. But in reality, there is a huge difference between self-love and narcissism.
A narcissist will put themselves first even at the detriment of others, with no regard for the consequences of their selfishness, whereas a person who practices self-love will establish boundaries which they enforce in order to keep the toxic people and practices at bay.
So, in keeping with our New Year non-resolutions, this week we’re sharing some of the ‘toxic’ things that we have been accused of which we have every intention of continuing in 2023 and beyond.
[And because we’re continuing the practice of assigning random aliases to the POP family, our noms de guerre this week all pay homage to male action movie stars. Sorry, ladies, but it’s only fair that we give the fellas their turn. 🤪😂]
‘BEING A BITCH’
by
IGNORING TEXTS THAT START WITH ‘SUP’
‘Sup’ is what one does with a bowl of soup; it is not an acceptable way of greeting me.
~ SYLVESTER
‘DESTROYING OUR FAMILY’S HARMONY’
by
AVOIDING HOMOPHOBIC FAMILY MEMBERS
I have to respect your right to be a bigot, but I do not have to subject myself to your bigotry.
~ JET
‘SUCKING UP TO MY PROFESSORS’
by
ENGAGING WITH THEM DURING CLASS
I work my butt off during the day so I can go to school at night to further my education, so you best believe I’m going to get my money’s worth out of those classes.
~ JEAN-CLAUDE
‘INVADING MY CHILDREN’S PRIVACY’
by
SPOT-CHECKING MY KIDS’ LAPTOPS
Until they are 18 and legally allowed to do whatever dumb thing their hearts desire, I need to make sure that my children are safe and not being preyed upon by some perv.
~ LIAM
‘BEING A CONTROLLING HUSBAND’
by
REFUSING TO LET MY MOTHER-IN-LAW RUN OUR MARRIAGE
I’m open to sage advice; but your daughter and I are both adults capable of handling our business, and our marriage doesn’t need to be micro-managed by an outside party.
~ JACKIE
‘ABUSING MY SON’
by
PUNISHING HIM WHEN HE DOES SOMETHING WRONG
Having a tablet and hanging out with friends are not your God-given rights, they are Mom-given privileges; and if you break the rules, you lose your privileges. Simple.
~ BRUCE
‘BEING A CHEAPSKATE’
by
GOING DUTCH WHEN HANGING OUT WITH FRIENDS
I’m not footing the bill for the entire posse to go clubbing; this isn’t a group date!
~ JASON
‘GHOSTING MY BOYFRIEND’
by
SCHEDULING SOME OCCASIONAL ME-TIME
Taking some alone-time every now and then to regroup and center myself is not the same as snubbing someone. It’s called self-care, and it should be a priority for everyone.
~ DWAYNE
‘ACTING LIKE A STUBBORN BRAT’
by
DRAWING THE LINE WITH BOSSY FAMILY MEMBERS
You have your way of doing things, and I have mine; I’m not opposed to taking advice when solicited, but I never requested an instruction manual for living my life.
~ WESLEY
‘BEING A MALE SLUT’
by
ENJOYING A HEALTHY DATING & SEX LIFE
I’m a single guy in my twenties. It’s what we do. Better now than twenty years down the road behind my wife’s back. .
~ KEANU
Are there any ‘toxic’ traits / behaviors that you guys have been accused of? We’d love to hear from you in the comments. 💞
Until next time…
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