1. Just say no.
Cut toxic people (and situations) from your life.
2. Drift away.
A drift in communication happens to the best of us. All friendships have a reason, season, and lifetime.
3. Change the topic.
Deflection is a great way to remove yourself from a situation. When you change the message, you change the outcome.
4. Walk away.
A “withdrawal” can be casual or complacent. Some friendships are not worth energy, effort, or time.
5. Find the source.
Hopefully, it’s not a close friend but if it is, consider yourself lucky.
6. Forget about it.
You might not be able to forgive, but the other “f” word is worth a try.
7. Don’t stoop below deck.
Why dwell at tunnel level when you live above ground?
8. Surround yourself with true friends.
There will be people in your life who you can count on for anything, even over time. Focus on those people, and remember – actions speak louder than words.
9. Rise above it.
Not every soul has patience. The goal is not to allow yourself to be hurt.
10. Smile.
One of my favorite adages is, “Smile and the world smiles with you; cry, and you cry alone.” Even when you’re crying inside, never let them see you sweat.
Me and my life-long “non-toxic” friend Katina on our high school graduation cruise in 1984. We recently attended our 40th high school reunion.
