Does anyone out there feel like they’re always questioning themselves? Are you one of the first people to back down in a disagreement and apologize first?
That used to be me. In fact, it’s still one of my first instincts. I usually assume I am the one at fault- for anything. I blame my past issues with authority. But- I have grown leaps and bounds, my friends. And let me tell you something- such a huge and heavy burden has been lifted!
I’ve written before about how I used to be an extreme introvert. And while that’s true, most of my quietness I can honestly blame on the fear of being rejected- or the fear of being “wrong” or being thought of as a weirdo for what I would speak up and say. Which- like I said- is such a heavy burden to carry!
So what changed?
Honestly, I blame my middle-child husband for getting me to realized there was something wrong with me- the fact that I wasn’t always wrong. (Ironic, I know). See, he loves to argue. Like none other. And when we met, I HATED arguing, or fights, or looks that insinuated disapproval. When we would fight, I would literally remain silent until it was over.
How things have changed 🙂
Nowadays, if Josh and I get into an argument, he will often stop and laugh at the change he’s seen in me. Going from silent to actually being able to hold my ground and articulate arguments that make sense- instead of a nervous word vomit- has been quite an impressive feet.
I say all this because this is what I want for anyone and everyone who find themselves questioning their beliefs when challenged.
I am so tired of the “acceptance and tolerance” culture that wants nothing more than to shut up those who don’t agree with them.
Honestly, though…
Ok, ok before I get on any kind of soap box, I’ll just dive into it.
Here’s how to deal with toxic people & when people tell you you’re wrong
Ask why they think you’re wrong
Always ask why. If someone tells you that you are wrong (whether they’re talking about your beliefs, something you did, etc.), always ask them to back up why they believe that. It shouldn’t be an insulting thing to do so. In fact, it can very much be a validating thing because you’re giving them a chance to explain their beliefs and opinions, which is more than fair. Many times, if you come to the source of your disagreement, both of you will be able to see why you disagree with one another. It may be a difference in fundamental beliefs, it may be the way you were raised. Either way, always seek to know why they disagree- specifically.
Do take time to consider their opinions
A huge reason why I believe today’s culture can be very aggressive with their beliefs and putting down others is because of a lack of respect and an unwillingness to understand.
Just as in marriage, when you’re discussing something with your spouse, it would drive you completely insane if your spouse told you you were wrong without actually taking the time to consider your opinion. This goes for every other relationship as well. Take the time to listen and consider the other person’s opinion before responding. Many times, even if we completely disagree, we can at least wrap our heads around why people believe what they do, which is so important when maintaining mutual respect.
Another reason to consider the other person’s beliefs and opinions is the chance that you actually could be wrong. Always keep a humble attitude. If you know where your beliefs come from (i.e. mine come from the Bible) then you’ll be able to go back and test whether your opinions are accurate or not. If not, maybe reconsider what you thought you knew. But if your opinions line up, stay true my friend!
This leads me to my next point:
Always know where your beliefs come from!
There are so many today who have, what I think of as, a “belief basket.” They go along from here to there- picking the beliefs that sound nice, are popular, make them feel good about themselves and their current situation, and/or make them feel like they’re on top of the world and they are the ones who really “get it.” They find their hand-picked beliefs from their parents (or a reaction against their parents), the media, celebrities, weird shareable Facebook quotes (extra points if it rhymes), fashionable new-age religions, or any smooth talking person on the internet.
My challenge to you is this: find the source of your beliefs. Even write down specifically what you believe and why, if that helps. Get logical and test your own beliefs, because you know others will! The source of your beliefs will shape so many of your opinions and how you choose to act towards others.
I know that my beliefs come from the Bible, so you know I’m going to be studying the bible like heck to be able to know exactly what I believe and why. I won’t have hazy, muddled opinions because I read some quote on Facebook that made me feel good about myself. Honestly, the Bible doesn’t always make me feel good about myself. Sometimes it points out what’s completely wrong with me. And I’m ok with that because I don’t pick and choose what goes into my “beliefs basket.” If the Bible says, “to live is Christ and to die is gain,” then I’m going to live a life trying to forget about myself and love God and others more than me, no matter if that Facebook quote says that I should only be looking out for #1.
You don’t have to make others believe what you believe
You know what? Sometimes (let’s be real- most of the time) no amount of arguing is going to get people to agree with you, no matter how passionately you believe what you do. And that’s ok. It’s not your job to change everyone’s mind. I believe that Christ is the only way to be saved. Am I open and adamant about that? Um, yes (^hence^). But it’s not my job to make people agree with that and believe it themselves. Sometimes, they’re just not ready yet. Sometimes they’ll never be ready.
This doesn’t just have to do with faith-based beliefs.
You might see a friend doing something that you believe is wrong, and you may be honest with them and tell them that what they are doing is wrong, but no amount of logic or arguing is going to get them to change.
This is where I consider people “toxic.” They often tend to be self-focussed, easily become the victims, and are very illogical.
I was speaking with a friend yesterday, let’s call her “Rose,” who said that she recently had to end some toxic friendships. These friends were always taking Rose’s happiness and turning it into something insulting to themselves (ie. victimizing themselves).
When Rose had gotten engaged last year, she sent out a group text to several of her friends sharing the awesome news! Her friends, however, took the news as an insult because they weren’t told in a more personal setting (even though they live several hours away).
This, along with many other pity parties, eventually forced my friend Rose “breakup” with her friends, simply because she couldn’t take constantly having to apologize for things that were insulting to her friends- things that should have been happy about!
Safe to say, my friend Rose is much better off without these toxic friendships in her life. This leads me to my last point. When toxic people begin to go down on you…
Stay cool. Don’t become defensive.
This is one of the worst things we can do if someone attacks us. Like I said in the last point, many times we are not going to be on the same page with people, and that’s ok! They may even be trying so hard to convince you to change (your beliefs, your style, behavior, etc.) that they actually start attacking you personally. That’s ok too (well, it’s not ok. But remember, keep your cool). You can defend yourself, but don’t become defensive. Nothing will discredit you more than if you start attacking someone personally, and when someone starts doing that to you, it’s probably time to write them off. Sometimes it’s ok to say, “You know, I think we’ve said all that we can say on the subject and it’s probably ok to move on now.” And then actually move on.
The important thing to do, after everything else already mentioned, is hold your ground. Sometimes, the most important thing you can do is understand that people are wrong (even if they think you’re the wrong one). You can know and trust that you are right, and there’s nothing they can say that will change that. It can often be really hard to see in the moment, but removing yourself from the situation can often help you to see how the other person’s actions are not acceptable.
In short…
Try your best to remove yourself from the situation. Listen to their opinions, but always take them with a grain of salt, and never take it personally. Test what they’re saying against what you know to be true and don’t back down just to keep the peace.
I hope this helps my friends, love you all!
This is on point!!
I just ended a toxic friendship recently and while it is a hard thing to do, it is so liberating once you are free.
Great tips! 🙂 I used to try to reason with toxic people but the way I deal with it now is just to distance myself from them.
Great job! You don’t need toxic people in your life!!!
Thank You. I had to end a toxic friendship that had me doubting myself. It was liberating and everything you said was true.
When I distance myself I see how that person is clearly wrong and feel no need to be defensive anymore.
Love this. I have a few toxic coworkers and I don’t see us going separate ways any time soon, but I do always hold my ground with them!
Thanks for the tips! So true that people do not have to believe what you believe. Great reminder!
This is great advice. My last relationship was basically one big argument after another so I am no stranger to going a few rounds with words. However, as I’ve gotten older I’ve lost my patience to argue with people and simply want to live a stress free life. My usual response is “okay…let’s agree to disagree”.
Oh, my gosh, another person hanging on to that word. There is no such thing as toxic. Toxic is just a catch-all phrase to not work at a relationship. Toxic is a lazy word. Just say “jerk.” Oh, wait, that doesn’t finalize and make a chasm between you and another person. It doesn’t leave it open for a reconciliation. and…that means you have not learned enough lessons in life. Always leave it open for a reconciliation. Geez, I see a pattern here. It is called cancel culture and it is live and well!
I love all of this! Dealing with toxic people can be so difficult, especially when they are close to you. I love all these tips and will definitely be using these in my own life!
I’m still working on not taking things personally! FYI: middle kids are awesome.
I am like you CHELSEA, i can so relate to what you said. Thank you.
I tried to avoid Toxic people.
True…love it
Wow how refreshing. Although I am stubborn in my last relationship with a man… I would say that “Let’s agree to disagree”. But when someone says something tragic happened in their day just to find out if you really cared about them and then said they were joking about it… to me that’s unacceptable and unforgivable as I draw the line when someone says something about another person getting shot and then saying that there were joking about it… that’s just so wrong and I should have blocked him right away permanently after but against my better judgment I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and move on in our relationship. But much to my surprise I came across his ‘fake’ picture on a scammer website and have blocked him permanently. So there is things where I know that I was right because you just don’t joke about things like that just to get someone’s attention to see if they care about you.
I had once a christian boss who discovered i was a muslim because i suddenly committed to a head scarf and long dresses. He tried first to tell me about christian religion principles and whenever i told him its the same in Islam he used to refuse strongly. Then he started telling me unrealustic things that offends my religion. I told him simply read my book before you judge it.rrefused angrily and started calling me names at work. I always got over what he used to say cause he was an old man and I couldnt leave my job since leaving him alone and resigning would make his multiple scelorosis go worse. At the end I tried to advise him concerning certain things at work to protect him he refused to listen to me cause im the bad muslim, so he was scammed and got in trouble, he never apologized or tell me that i was right, i gave him another advice , he refused again and again i was right. At the end, I said to myself Iam tired of being a good employee while he thinks im a freak. And i dont like to see him suffer, he hates me but to me i always thought that he needs my help and i resigned and told him sir if i remain one more second ill lose my mind. I resigned but looking at those days ifeel sorry for him, prejudice is very toxic and blind. I still respect him cause he is a human being and he ve been treated unfairly. I hope it wasnt karma cause i forgive him. Forgivance i guess is the best way to overcome toxic people.