Toxic People


Identifying and dealing with toxic individuals can be a challenging but crucial aspect of maintaining healthy relationships. Often, toxic people can be manipulative and harmful without us even realizing it. In this blog post, we'll explore how to identify toxic individuals, how to distance yourself from them, and share a real-life story of Sandra, a young girl who had to navigate a toxic friendship. We will also draw insights from the book of 1 Samuel 18:1-9 in the Bible to shed light on toxic relationships.


Identifying Toxic People
  1. Manipulation and Exploitation: Toxic individuals often manipulate and exploit others for their benefit. They may make you feel guilty or obligated to do things for them, as Sandra experienced when she started doing Marla's chores and homework.
  2. Constant Drama: Toxic people thrive on drama and conflict. They often create and feed off of unnecessary drama, like how Marla incited fights among friends in Sandra's case.
  3. Lack of Empathy: Toxic individuals often lack empathy and concern for the well-being of others. They may disregard your feelings and needs, just as Marla did when she used Sandra's social media account to hurt her reputation.
  4. Control and Domination: Toxic individuals may try to control and dominate you. They want things their way and can become aggressive or manipulative when things don't go according to their plan.
  5. Isolation: Toxic people may isolate you from your other relationships and support systems, making you dependent on them for validation and companionship.

Avoiding Toxic People

If something feels off in a relationship, trust your instincts. Pay attention to how you feel when you interact with someone. If you constantly feel drained, anxious, or manipulated, it might be a sign of toxicity. Establish and maintain healthy boundaries. Clearly communicate your limits and stand firm when someone tries to cross them. Sandra began distancing herself from Marla when she realized her toxic behavior. Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your experiences. They can provide valuable insights and emotional support during difficult times.

If possible, limit or cut off contact with toxic individuals. It may be tough, but it's necessary for your mental and emotional well-being. Invest time in self-care and building your self-esteem. Toxic individuals can undermine your confidence, so it's important to nurture a strong sense of self-worth.


Sandra's story serves as a stark reminder of the harm toxic individuals can cause. She initially believed she was doing a good thing by helping Marla, but she gradually realized that Marla was manipulating her for her own gain. When Sandra distanced herself from Marla, she faced backlash and social media drama orchestrated by her toxic friend.

If I were in Sandra's shoes, I would have done the same—slowly withdrawn from the friendship and sought support from trusted individuals. Dealing with a toxic friend can be emotionally draining, but it's essential to prioritize your well-being.


Advice for People in Toxic Relationships
  1. Recognize the Toxicity: Acknowledge that you are in a toxic relationship. This is the first step towards healing and moving forward.
  2. Seek Professional Help: If the toxicity has caused significant emotional or psychological harm, consider seeking the help of a therapist or counselor to navigate the healing process.
  3. Forgive Yourself: Understand that being in a toxic relationship doesn't reflect your worth. Forgive yourself for any mistakes you made while in the relationship.
  4. Rebuild Your Support System: Reconnect with friends and loved ones who may have been pushed away during the toxic relationship. Rebuilding a strong support system is crucial for recovery.
  5. Learn and Grow: Use the experience as an opportunity for personal growth. Reflect on the lessons you've learned and how they can help you make healthier choices in future relationships.


Insights from 1 Samuel 18:1-9

1 Samuel 18:1-9 tells the story of David and Saul. In this chapter, we see how Saul's jealousy and toxic behavior towards David led to a strained relationship. Saul's envy and attempts to harm David highlight toxic traits such as jealousy and manipulation.

Relating this to Sandra's story, we can draw parallels between Saul's jealousy and Marla's manipulation. Both stories emphasize the destructive nature of toxic relationships and the importance of recognizing and distancing oneself from such individuals.

Intriguing Questions

  1. Have you ever been in a toxic friendship or relationship? How did you recognize it, and what steps did you take to distance yourself?
  2. Can you recall a time when someone manipulated you without you realizing it? What did you learn from that experience?
  3. How do you think Sandra's story would have unfolded if she had identified Marla's toxic behavior earlier?
  4. In 1 Samuel 18:1-9, what consequences did Saul face due to his toxic behavior towards David? How can we apply these lessons to deal with toxic people in our lives?
  5. What are some red flags or warning signs you would advise others to watch out for when trying to identify toxic individuals in their lives?