Have you ever been in a toxic relationship and didn’t know how to cut off that person from your life? Sometimes, we’re so close with someone, whether it’s a friend, a relative, or a lover, that it can be hard to spot the red flags. Sometimes, the lines between love, care, and unhealthy behavior become so blurred that we can’t see the toxicity until it’s too late. The emotional ties we have with people often cloud our judgment, and we may convince ourselves that things will get better or that we can handle the situation. But the truth is, staying in a toxic relationship can take a significant toll on our mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.
It’s hard to accept that someone you care about and love is causing you harm, and even harder to imagine a life without them. The fear of letting go—whether it’s the fear of being alone, hurting them, or losing what you once had and what you could’ve had—can make cutting ties feel impossible. But once you come to the painful realization that the relationship is toxic, the next challenge is knowing how to walk away. It’s not easy, and the process is different for everyone, but it’s necessary for your own growth, happiness, and peace of mind.
Lately, I’ve been cutting a lot of toxic relationships out of my life, and identifying them became easier as the time has passed. I won’t say that it’s easy, that it doesn’t hurt—it does—but once you get out of it, you’ll start feeling better. The feeling that you don’t have negative energy in your life and someone that only harms you, it’s a relief. Always prioritize your well-being above all.
I once had a friend that I got really close to; she seemed like one of the best friends that I could’ve ever asked for. But, I started to realize that she had a toxic attitude, and not only with me, but with all of her relationships. Some of our mutual friends came to talk to me about this attitude, and we decided to cut her off. Their reaction is always the same—they always blame you—but don’t feel guilty, you’re only protecting yourself. They start to talk bad about you to other people, make things up about you, and curse you in every way.
Most of the time, they have their reasons to act this way, whether they had a tough childhood, were also in a toxic relationship before, or something else. But don’t feel bad about them once you decide to cut them off from your life, because nothing that they’ve been through gives them a reason to treat you that way. When they were hurting you, they didn’t care about your feelings. Why should you care about theirs? You’re not their psychologist.
Leaving a toxic relationship is never easy, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take for your own well-being. It’s okay to feel conflicted, hurt, or guilty about walking away, but remember that you have every right to protect your peace and happiness. Cutting someone off doesn’t mean you don’t care for them or that you don’t wish them the best; it simply means that you’re choosing yourself. You’re choosing to break free from the negativity and toxicity that holds you back, and that’s a form of self-love. It may hurt now, but with time, you’ll realize how freeing it is to surround yourself with people who lift you up, and not those who bring you down. So, don’t let guilt or fear stop you from doing what’s best for you. You deserve to be around those who respect and support you, and in doing so, you’ll open space for healthier, more positive relationships in your life.
Remember: it’s okay to let go, and it’s okay to choose yourself, even if it’s difficult. Your peace and well-being is worth it.
