How to Protect Yourself From Toxic Relationships

Ditch the negativity and make room for happiness.

No More Drama - It can be easier said than done, but it’s honestly best to release people who no longer add value, bring good intentions or positive vibes into your life. Remember, energies are contagious. So when choosing the type of people you let into your inner circle, it’s important to choose wisely. In case you needed a little help in letting go, we’ve put together a few tips just for you. By Dontaira Terrell (Photo: Peathegee Inc/Blend Images/Corbis)

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No More Drama - It can be easier said than done, but it’s honestly best to release people who no longer add value, bring good intentions or positive vibes into your life. Remember, energies are contagious. So when choosing the type of people you let into your inner circle, it’s important to choose wisely. In case you needed a little help in letting go, we’ve put together a few tips just for you. By Dontaira Terrell (Photo: Peathegee Inc/Blend Images/Corbis)

Homicide by a partner - The No. 1 cause of death for Black women ages 15 to 34.  (Photo: Monkey Business Images/Monkey Business/Corbis)

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Pay Attention to the Signs - It’s time to remove the blinders, let go of the denial and recognize when people are doing you a disservice by simply being a thorn in your life. Some signs of a toxic relationship include feeling stifled in your growth, receiving backhanded compliments, or the inability to be your true self in their presence. (Photo: Monkey Business Images/Monkey Business/Corbis)

Photo By Photo: Monkey Business Images/Monkey Business/Corbis

Follow Your Intuition - Have you ever been around a person and you immediately get an eerie feeling? Chances are, it’s your intuition trying to tell you something. Generally speaking, our gut feelings rarely steer us wrong. (Photo: Hill Street Studios/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Follow Your Intuition - Have you ever been around a person and you immediately get an eerie feeling? Chances are, it’s your intuition trying to tell you something. Generally speaking, our gut feelings rarely steer us wrong. (Photo: Hill Street Studios/Blend Images/Corbis)

Photo By Photo: Hill Street Studios/Blend Images/Corbis

Keep Your Distance - As we get older, we realize not everyone is meant to travel the journey of life with us. As much as it pains us to let them go, sometimes the best solution is to love people from afar. If you do have a one-on-one confrontation with them, make it short and sweet. (Photo: Klaus Tiedge/Corbis)

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Keep Your Distance - As we get older, we realize not everyone is meant to travel the journey of life with us. As much as it pains us to let them go, sometimes the best solution is to love people from afar. If you do have a one-on-one confrontation with them, make it short and sweet. (Photo: Klaus Tiedge/Corbis)

Good Posture - Whether you’re sitting or standing, make it an everyday practice to possess perfect posture because it gives both your confidence and breasts a major boost. (Photo: 145/William Andrew/Ocean/Corbis)

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Stand Your Ground - When dealing with toxic people, do not to allow them to use their strong manipulation tactics. If you don’t agree with their behavior or feel as though it’s time to part ways, then say something and stick to it. (Photo: 145/William Andrew/Ocean/Corbis)

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Don't Take It Personal - Being in a toxic relationship or friendship can take a major toll on us — mentally, physically and emotionally. It can also cause us to feel a sense of regret and disappointment within ourselves, but try not to wallow in resentment or anger. (Photo: Nancy Ney/Corbis)

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Don't Take It Personal - Being in a toxic relationship or friendship can take a major toll on us — mentally, physically and emotionally. It can also cause us to feel a sense of regret and disappointment within ourselves, but try not to wallow in resentment or anger. (Photo: Nancy Ney/Corbis)

How to Let Go - It can be a painful experience to cut ties with someone you share an emotional bond with, but it must be done. No need to stick around in hopes they'll change or see things from your point of view. Instead, bless them and release them because it'll prove to be for the greater good. (Photo: Image Source/Corbis)

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How to Let Go - It can be a painful experience to cut ties with someone you share an emotional bond with, but it must be done. No need to stick around in hopes they'll change or see things from your point of view. Instead, bless them and release them because it'll prove to be for the greater good. (Photo: Image Source/Corbis)

Protect Your Eyes - You may wear your sunnies because they look fabulous, but they are protecting you from the signs of aging, too. Those little lines folks get around their eyes as they get older? They’re in part from squinting into the sun. So wear your sunglasses any time the sun makes an appearance. (Photo: LWA/Larry Williams/Getty Images)

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Follow Your Bliss - Hold your head high and find something to smile about. With every ending there is always a new beginning. Consider the ending of the toxic relationship as a source of wisdom added to one of life’s many lessons, so keep it movin' and follow your bliss. (Photo: LWA/Larry Williams/Getty Images)

Reconsider Your Methods  - Conferences and happy hours aren’t the only way to network. Try joining an industry organization or sit on a committee. If there’s a softball or bowling team, join that, too. It’s a great way to bond with other people in your field without the pressure of a formal event. (Photo: David Stuart/Getty Images).

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Because You're Worth It - Love yourself enough to put you before anything or anyone else. Being surrounded with positive friends, genuine love and loyalty is essential in finding your own happy place. (Photo: David Stuart/Getty Images)