Sometimes the luster and excitement of making a new friend can blind us from being able to identify their true nature. However, spotting toxic traits early is imperative as it can prevent us from involving ourselves with people who negatively affect our headspace.
With that being said, here are five dangerous signs you need to look out for when you are meeting someone for the first time.
Me me me!
If you’ve been talking to Nancy for five minutes and you know the names of her entire extended family, why her parents are divorced, and what her boyfriend likes to eat for breakfast on Tuesdays, then you might be dealing with a potentially toxic individual.
If Nancy expects you to listen and be interested in every aspect of her life but doesn’t give a rat’s booty what your name is, maybe reconsider developing a friendship with her.
It’s raining when it’s sunny
Nancy can spot a rain cloud in the clearest of skies. And don’t worry, if you can’t see it, she’ll point it out to you.
If all she wants to talk about is how terrible everything is, she might just be looking for someone to take down into the dumps with her. Don’t let her drain you of your energy – conserve it for someone who won’t be toxic to you.
Ok, but just this one thing
If Nancy feels comfortable asking you for big favors upon meeting you for the very first time, she might be a bit problematic.
Whether she slyly asks if you would drive her to the airport or she suggests that you help her get son into the college of his dreams, she is toxic. If you feel uncomfortable around her, just allow yourself to walk away.
Did you know that I…
Did you know that Nancy was the valedictorian of her high school class? Oh and that she was the all-star on her college basketball team? Oh and that she discovered the cure for seven of the world’s most lethal diseases but the treatment is very experimental so the FDA hasn’t approved it yet?
Well, now you do, because I’m sure she told you at least three times. Let that last brag be the last thing you hear from her.
I’m radiating bad vibes
If you have a gut feeling that this new person you’re meeting is just…off, trust your intuition. Anticipate what it would be like to spend time with them in the future. Does that sound fun? Or just daunting?
If spending time with them now is making you uncomfortable, anxious, upset, or just inexplicably bad, don’t plan to see them in the future.
Sources:
https://www.heysigmund.com/toxic-people/
https://www.scienceofpeople.com/toxic-people/
