* I am not a licensed psychologist, this is just my own view and should only be viewed as such. If you are currently in need of help in this type of situation please consult a licensed psychologist.

Let's put all of the cards on the table and say it together, no family is perfect. Every family member has their own quirks, beliefs, and even skeletons that they keep in the closet, however that is completely different from a family member that is toxic. What does a toxic family member look like? Well, on the outside it can be hard to determine if that person is toxic, but if we peel back the layers and look at the personality we are able to see just how they tick and how they try to make things work for them, and only them.

1. SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT

This can be applied to anyone in your life from a coworker to a friend, but staying on topic of family members this could be a sibling, parent, aunt, cousin, basically anyone in your family. They believe that they should be given things and not work a day in their life. 99.99% of the time they are complaining and using the poor-me pity show to their advantage to get money from anyone and everyone.

2. FAVORITISM

In reality no one should be playing favoritism with anyone, I know that I have several members of my family who I am more attached to, but that doesn't mean I don't love the other members of my family any less. However, with this type of toxic person they don't shy away from showing who their favorite person is, and sometimes it is the parents showering one child more than the other. One kid has to work so hard to prove their worth to the parents, while another doesn't do anything and is given a house, car, or whatever their attention is focused on.

3. UNRELIABLE

Think of this scenario you are constantly being called by this family member to help them with everything, but when the day comes where you need some help they are no where to be found. This toxic family member would rather have you be there for them no matter what, they expect you to put down your life to help them with theirs. In the end they would never put down anything for you, instead they would make up some excuse or they would just ignore your call.

While these are just a few signs of a toxic family member there are many others, but what can we do when we realize what is happening around us? Cut them off? Easier said than done. While it would be easy for us to cut off a friendship or an intimate relationship, cutting off a familial relationship is a bit tricker and harder to do. There is the fear that we won't be able to live with the guilt of separating ourselves from such a toxic environment.

While it is extremely important to have a mutual respect and care towards our family members, it can be difficult when we are surrounded by toxic members on a daily basis. In order to gain a healthy life in every aspect we need to get rid of the toxicity that is hidden in our own families.