Toxic people. The never have anything nice to say to you, always putting down your dreams, harshly “honest,” judgmental, make your heart beat fast and your stomach get nervous, toxic people. They are the worst, and yet, we often don’t just get rid of them. Why?!
I have been asking myself that exact question lately. While I was extremely fortunate throughout my infertility battle to have a group of supportive friends and family, not everyone was kind—especially when my husband and I decided to stop trying to conceive and embrace our childless life. In fact, the harsh criticisms that I received from two individuals (family, no less) brought me to tears and caused me to question the decisions I had made.
The Unfriender
Although I didn’t think so at the time, I was fortunate in that one person cut herself out of my life. She unfriended me on Facebook. While you might think this is silly, I was shocked that one of my own family members would disagree so strongly about my embracement of our exchange daughter that she would unfriend me! We live halfway across the country, so it was the main way we kept in touch. But, she disagreed with my claiming Bruna as family so much that she told me, “You need help. Get counseling and accept your infertility like an adult.”
I had no words. I simply told her that I couldn’t talk about this with her anymore. And next thing I knew, we were no longer Facebook friends.
The Judger
The other person who has been more than a little judgmental about my life choices (including a disgust for my starting this blog) is still a part of my daily life because we are still connected on social media. As I fretted over why she didn’t even like the “Happy Birthday” post I made for her daughter, I began to wonder…
Why am I so worried about what she thinks of me? Why do I need her approval? She has talked badly about my husband (and my late Dad), won’t return my text messages, never likes anything I post on social media, has been blunt in stating that she believes I post an “unhealthy” amount of pictures of Maddie, and has expressed her disapproval of Not So Mommy…™
Why am I seeking approval from the toxic?
So, why am I still seeking her approval? Why do I allow her to sneak into my thoughts? Is it because she is family and I think I must? (We only see each other a few times a year.) Is it because I haven’t accepted my life as much as I like to think I have? (Now, that’s a scary thought!) Or is it because I see her posts on social media and therefore have a daily reminder of her?
I’ve mulled over these questions for a little while now, and I have made a decision. I’m no longer going to allow this person to take up space in my thoughts. I’m going to hide her posts from social media and whenever the doubts and negative thoughts creep in, I’m going to change the channel. I’m going to focus on the people who bring me joy, support my journey, and encourage me on my childless walk. I’m going to choose me, not her.
Bearing my soul because I want you to know…
Why am I bearing my soul and sharing something so deeply personal–something I struggle with and question? Because (whether you are infertile, childless, childfree, or not), I want all of us to understand…
- You deserve for people to say nice things to you and about you.
- Your dreams matter and no one should put them down.
- People can (and should) be honest without being rude.
- No one deserves for his/her life to be judged. It is simply not our place to judge.
- If someone causes undue stress in your life, then perhaps that someone shouldn’t be in your life.
- Don’t question decisions that you know in your heart are right for you, even if others don’t understand them.
- If someone who was causing you pain cuts you out of his/her life, let them.
- If you need to cut someone out of your life who is causing you pain, do it.
- Don’t allow the negative to take over.
- You can (and should) choose to surround yourself with loving, positive, supportive influences.
While I cannot control everything in my life, I can control who I hang out with (in real life and in virtual social media life). So, from now on, I’m going to have a little bit of grit and a whole lot of grace. In other words, I am going to avoid toxic people and spend my time with those who build me up. I hope you do, too.
Featured Photo Credit: Aleks Dorohovich of StockSnap.io
7 comments
I am so grateful to discover your blog as I approach closer to the possibility of Plan A not working, I am utterly lost & in the pits of despair. I have a toxic person in my life whom i cannot avoid as they are a close relative & we see them weekly at my mother’s for dinner. This cruel & spiteful person makes everything all about her as a victim whilst slowly destroying every atom Of my former self esteem. I am very blessed to have been sent good friends & my sister who are helping me to rebuild the old me. I was also pointrd out by my therapist that I can never be the old me again but the new, stronger & experienced me. It’s a version I had to become through hurt & pain. This person is not going to gas light or destroy me any more nor will I be fooled by her act of injured innocence. Sadly, it’s members if our own sex who seem to find our childlessness disgusting, like we all have a choice in being infertile. I would love for you to write more on this topic. In my dxperience, this person has created PTSD & I cannot avoid my perpetrator. I pray that God will reward me for my patience. I’m also a big believer of karma.
May, despite the circumstances that brought you here, I am so grateful that you are part of this community. Infertility & childlessness can be quite isolating, as so many do not understand our grief. There truly is a vibrant childless community ready to offer you encouragement and support, as you figure out your next steps.
I am so sorry that you are having to deal (weekly) with someone who is so cruel. I have actually written a few more blogs about toxic people, as well as setting boundaries. Here is a link, if you’d like to read more – https://notsomommy.com/on-being-childless-setting-boundaries/
I am grateful that you are finding your strength, stating that you will no longer allow this person to “destroy [you] anymore.” Please know, I’m always here to listen. Feel free to comment, email, and/or find Not So Mommy… on social media. There is an active community on both Facebook and Instagram.
Sending you so many HUGS, fellow warrior…
Yet again Brandi you are spot on with this. It DOES hurt when the toxic people are family or our closest friends. I’ve dealt with three such people over the years. Two of mine where friends I had know for over 20 years. Luckily they are both completely out of my life now although there is the off-chance that I could meet one of them a the supermarket. However, she no longer has the power to hurt me as I found the BLOCK CHANNEL button last December. The 3rd is my half-brother with does make it harder. Again distancing has helped and I only have the occasional contact with him of Social Media at Christmas and Birthdays – I’m not even willing to pay the cost of a card and stamp for him any more. It hurts: however, for my own self-preservation it’s been necessary.
I’m glad you found the “BLOCK CHANNEL button.” I am still working on that, but have gotten better at not allowing others to control my emotions. I can seem so calm on the outside and yet, my heart is pounding out of my chest and my nerves are a wreck! I’m learning to breathe… It’s amazing what a few deep breaths can do to calm oneself!
Ohmy!! I LOVE that one sentence…let me find it…”I’m going to change the channel”. I LOVE THAT!!! Seriously!! I know I’ve had people like that in my life before (work), and sometimes there is just no way to get around them. Prayer and forgiveness have helped in dealing with that as well!
We have the power to choose. Use it. We can love and not like. And we can accept and distance ourselves. Your own personal happiness and joy is too important. Protect yourself.
I agree 100%! It is not selfish to protect your own heart.