We all know toxic people. They’re the ones who constantly put themselves first and are only out for their own good.
Whether it’s toxic behavior towards you, toxic behavior at work, or toxic people in your life – these toxic traits should be something that you are aware of before they have a chance to come into contact with you.
20 Toxic Traits You Should Be Aware Of
1. Lying
Lying is one of the many traits of a toxic person. Toxic people may lie about anything, no matter how trivial; their end goal is usually to get their way.
They will do whatever it takes to convince you that what they’re saying is true and if they know it’s not working on you, chances are they’ll gaslight you for not believing them.
2. Manipulation
Toxic people are masters at the art of manipulation. Because they usually only have their own interests in mind they will go to great lengths to get their way. Some common manipulation tactics include guilt-tripping, lying, and playing the victim.
You may not always realize you’re being manipulated by a toxic person because they know how to target people who like to please others.
3. Selfishness
Toxic individuals are always out for themselves and don’t care whose toes they step on or hurt along the way. Toxic people will take everything you have to offer without ever giving back to you in return. Beware of selfish people who are only in it for their own well-being or gain.
4. Emotional instability
Toxic people tend to be emotionally unstable. This is due to a combination of lacking emotional awareness and healthy coping skills.
Their moods are unpredictable; toxic people may have an angry outburst or take out their frustrations on you when you least expect it. This instability can make you feel like you need to walk on eggshells around them.
5. Negative attitude
People who have toxic traits tend to be part of the negative crowd. Toxic people complain about everything and anything, no matter how trivial it may seem.
They’re never happy with what life has handed them – often focusing on the negatives rather than the positives.
6. Inconsiderate of others
Toxic people are much more concerned with their own feelings than the feelings of others. They do not care if they hurt someone else’s feelings or make them feel bad about something.
They’re focused on getting their way whenever possible and are unlikely to be accommodating to the needs of others if it means sacrificing their own.
7. Judgement
Toxic individuals tend to be very judgemental about everything and everyone. Toxic people believe that their way is the only right way, and will make sure others know it.
They’re more likely to be critical of you than accepting of you. Harsh judgments can cause you to feel a lack of confidence, low self-esteem, and overall negativity about yourself.
8. Lack empathy for others
People who exhibit this toxic trait fail to understand the emotions of others. This means they don’t feel concerned or connected when another person is upset, angry, etc.
They may not even realize that what they are doing will hurt someone else’s feelings because they have no insight into how those around them might think and feel.
9. Constant need for attention and validation
A person with this trait will consistently look for attention and validation from anyone they can, whether it is their friends or family. They are needy people who often don’t respect boundaries, and who need constant reassurance that they matter.
People like these often feel insecure about themselves and lack self-esteem, which leads to them constantly needing the approval of others.
10. Sense of entitlement
This trait often shows up in people who feel they deserve special treatment because of their status, accomplishments, or position. They are self-absorbed and have a strong need for admiration from others.
A person with a sense of entitlement believes that things should come to them easily and becomes very impatient when they don’t.
11. Low self-esteem
People who are toxic are often insecure and have low self-esteem. This means they feel as though they’re unworthy of being successful or happy, and tend to blame their failures on everything but themselves.
Although toxic individuals with this trait will put up a tough front at times – deep down inside they are vulnerable individuals that feel small in comparison to their peers.
12. They have a need to be in control
Toxic people often feel they can control everything and others. They put their own needs front and center, and will do anything they can to get what they want.
A toxic friend may try to control you by making a decision for both of you but that benefits their own best interest first and foremost. The need to be in control comes from a place of insecurity, which toxic people often feel.
13. Cruelty or bullying
Cruelty and bullying are harmful and toxic behaviors. A toxic person may make mean-spirited jokes, give backhanded compliments, or be outright insulting.
Their goal is to make you feel inferior and unworthy. Toxic people may also talk badly about others to make themselves look better by contrast.
14. Overly competitive
Although there are healthy forms of competition, toxic people can take it too far. People who are overly competitive may get overly cocky about winning and make fun of the losing team.
On the flip side – when a toxic person loses they don’t take the loss in stride, but rather may react with an emotional outburst. Toxic people heckle their competition to undermine their confidence and skills.
15. Blame others for their problems
People with toxic traits have a hard time acknowledging when they’re wrong. They lack the ability to take responsibility and ownership of their own mistakes, and will always try to find someone else to blame instead – even if they have to make up lies or exaggerate a situation to do so.
No matter what happens – everything is always someone else’s fault.
16. Stubborn and inflexible
Toxic people often refuse to see things from another person’s perspective, which means they are very stubborn and inflexible.
This is because their sense of self-worth is so low that any sort of criticism or disagreement can cause them to feel as though the world is caving in on them.
17. Enjoy or seek out drama in their life
Toxic people often enjoy drama. They will go out of their way to stir things up and find themselves in heated arguments more often than others. This is because toxic individuals are very controlling by nature, especially when they’re feeling insecure or threatened.
They may also engage in gossiping and spreading rumors to feel a sense of belonging in a group.
18. They don’t respect your time
People who are toxic often disregard that others’ time is valuable – which means you can expect them to always keep you waiting.
Although this trait might not seem like a big deal, it speaks volumes about the person’s values and the way they view others. But, they’re so wrapped up in their own lives that they don’t often consider anyone else.
19. Unlikely to apologize
Toxic people will rarely apologize for their mistakes. This is because they truly don’t see anything wrong with the way they behave or respond to others.
They will often blame any negativity on you instead of taking responsibility for their actions as a mature person would.
20. Passive-aggressive behaviors
Toxic people often use passive-aggressive behaviors in order to get their way or make themselves feel better about a situation.
Although this may not be as obvious as bullying, name-calling, and other more direct forms of toxic behavior – it’s still destructive nonetheless.
Final Thoughts
Toxic people can be difficult to deal with but, it’s important to understand that these behaviors and traits often come from a place of insecurity and low-self esteem. These traits can be outgrown if you dedicate yourself to self-improvement and personal growth.
Do you know someone who possesses any of these 20 toxic traits? If so, consider how important of a role this person should have in your life. Being around toxic people can be detrimental to your own well-being and mental health.