Bad friendships can drag you down, but sometimes it's hard to recognize the signs of unhealthy ones. Here's how.
Talking Points:
- When you are around this person take inventory of how you feel. Do they put you down all the time? Do they get jealous when you spend time with other people in your life? Are they constantly trying to change you?
- If you have a “friend” who is making you feel bad, you need to figure out what you are doing to allow them to make you feel that way. Are you being a doormat and putting their needs above your own? If you do that, you are opening a door for them to take advantage of you.
- If you have boundaries in place and they are aware of them but still try to push you, then it may be time to cut them out of your life. Your boundaries are in place to keep you safe and comfortable, not to please them.
- People with low self-esteem are much more likely to find themselves in toxic relationships. This is because they allow people to take advantage of them. If you love yourself, other people will see the love you deserve and will treat you with dignity, respect, and care.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Have you ever known someone who was in a toxic relationship, whether it was a friendship, romantic relationship, or family relationship? What happened?
- What are the telltale signs of a toxic person? Explain.
- What are the characteristics you have that might become toxic to other people? What can you do to keep yourself from being toxic to others?
- What are some good boundaries to have in place to guard against toxic people?
- How can you help others who may be in a toxic relationship?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
