5 Toxic Qualities That Drive People Away
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

5 Toxic Qualities That Drive People Away

If any of the following sounds like you, then you may be pushing people away without realizing it.

36
5 Toxic Qualities That Drive People Away
Higher Perspective

1. Being self-absorbed

If you are someone who focuses on 'Self' instead of 'self,' then you probably don't keep the same group of friends for very long. So if this sounds like you, it's time to stop being a downer with an 'All About Me' attitude. No one wants to be around that. When you start to listen more, you'll be happier and have more to say because people can surprise you. Sometimes we learn the most from the ones we expect the least from.

2. Ongoing competition

Even if you are the most talented person in the world, the true test of a winner is the dignity they show afterward. We all know the type. Someone says something like, "I just did __" And they say, "Wow, that's it? I've done that and __" If this sounds like you, then learn to let people accept growth by not stepping all over their accomplishments. Being around someone who constantly needs validation can feel exhausting. It's okay to acknowledge what you've done but if you overdo it, your confidence could be seen as a flaw.

3. Not seeing beauty as only skin deep

In the world we live in now, it's hard for us to focus on inner beauty with so much clutter distracting us. Culturally we strive for this opposite, fake sort of beauty in preserving youth culture. This is only causing more exposure towards making beauty solely about what we see. So if this sounds like something you struggle with like our current culture, just remember that you are so much more than a body. The beauty we physically see is only superficial, but the beauty we express comes from our differences. Having a positive spirit and strong intellect will take you further than any physical quality. There is beauty in everything and in everyone.

4. Worrying about social media following or amount of likes

Social media is making girls aspire to unrealistic beauty standards. From saying things like, "I'm deleting my picture if it doesn't get _# of likes" to refreshing their updates to check if their follower count changed. From constant comparing "Am I good enough" to followers becoming some sort of goal to reach; people with this mindset are often nothing more than empty shells of an ugly person. I'm not saying this is everyone, but it is a problem. Former Instagram model Essena Oneil says, "Placing any amount of worth on your physical form is so limiting." So if you struggle with your self-image in this way, then maybe try limiting the amount of time on social media or removing it altogether. Beauty isn't a competition so just be happy with your differences and uniqueness. You'll never truly be beautiful until you see beauty in yourself without needing validation from others.

5. Excessive reactors

Freaking out over little changes and obsessing of control. Basically, the ultimate toxic drama queens like Sharpay and Regina George, which is essentially the opposite of what we should be comparing strength to. However, there aren't many strong female characters portrayed in media without toxic behaviors. The strong one is often the villain, the bully, and are typically seen as cold. This reflects on people who mimic these kinds of extreme reactions in life. They often get placed with the same labels in society. So if this sounds like you, learn to not blame others for your behavior. Even if someone riles you up, ultimately, you decide how you react; no one else.



Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

95756
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments