Not everyone who drains you is toxic.
But some people are—and the damage they cause isn’t always loud.
It’s subtle. Quiet. Slow.
Toxic people often operate in the grey.
They don’t scream at you—they twist you.
They don’t push you away—they pull you in just enough to keep control.
So how do you identify them?
It starts with how you feel after being around them.
Ask yourself:
- Do I feel emotionally drained after every interaction?
- Do I second-guess what I said or did, even when I know I was respectful?
- Do I constantly feel like I need to defend myself around them?
If the answer is yes to most of these—you’re not being “too sensitive.”
You’re likely dealing with someone who’s emotionally manipulative.
Toxic Traits to Look Out For
Toxic people often exhibit the following behaviors:
- They constantly make it about them.
Even when you’re struggling, they’ll find a way to center the conversation back on themselves—or dismiss your feelings entirely. - They twist your words.
You’ll leave feeling confused, like you’re the one who messed up—even when you clearly communicated your boundaries. - They weaponize humor.
They make jokes at your expense, then tell you to “relax” or “take a joke” when you express discomfort. - They guilt-trip you into silence.
They use your empathy against you. You’ll feel bad for speaking up, even when you’re right. - They never apologize sincerely.
If they do say sorry, it’s usually followed by a justification or another reason why you were at fault.
Why It Matters
The most dangerous thing about toxic relationships isn’t just the conflict—it’s the erosion of your self-worth.
You slowly start accepting less.
You doubt your instincts.
You lose trust in your own voice.
At Cenaris, we believe the first step to healing is awareness.
You can’t fix what you refuse to name.
And here’s the truth:
You don’t need permission to protect your peace.
You don’t need to explain your boundaries.
You don’t owe toxic people your time, energy, or silence.