Comments on: Toxic People and Self Improvement

By: Relationship Problems: Finding the Answers

Relationship Problems: Finding the Answers — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 03:26:21 +0000

[...] It’s easy to get stuck on the notion that you have an insurmountable problem or that there is no solution or end in sight. But really, when you think about it – a solution MUST exist. You just need the right idea to find out how to solve it. It’s the power of possibility thinking. [...]

By: Have no Fear of Being Wrong

Have no Fear of Being Wrong — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 05:33:25 +0000

[...] Wrong Much? If you’re new here, you may want to subscribe via -or- As I typed that title I caught myself for a millisecond thinking people might construe it to mean I have been wrong about something I have written on the blog. Naturally, I got defensive. Why do we as people fear being wrong so much? Maybe it goes back to our childhood when we would be sent to “remedial” classes to “remedy” us if we did poorly (wrongly) on tests. Nowadays the kids are almost 100% judged by their standardized test scores so they can probably relate. But as a whole I think you’ll agree that we as adults are very afraid of being wrong, it shows in our toxic words and actions. [...]

By: Marcia

Marcia — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:14:48 +0000

I think of it much as Jessica does, “consider the source”. I have been known to say simply, “thank you for your advice,” or to argue the point.

Damien, I do like your, “That’s one way to look at it.” I would probably add, “,isn’t it?” to that, though – in hopes they would stop there. I think I will adopt that when my simple, “thank you for your advice” doesn’t quell them.

Marcia’s last blog post..Hodge Podge

By: Damien Riley

Damien Riley — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 02:48:25 +0000

That’s THE way to look at it ;) I really like your “consider the source” perspective. Thanks for that comment. I’m thinking of so many possibilities these days, gotta use it while it’s here ya know? ;) Let us know how the possibility thinking goes for you with your toxic people.

By: The Rock Chick

The Rock Chick — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 01:44:42 +0000

Damien, I am totally enjoying this Possibility Thinking series you’ve got going here. 90% of the time I’m an optimist, but once in a while I think I do succumb to the “toxic people”. I prefer the term “emotional vampires”, but….same difference!

I’ve always tried to follow a “consider the source” when people try to tell me something or offer unwated advice. It works for the most part with the personality conflicts I have with my dreaded coworker, Goonan, but sometimes he does get to me. I’m going to try your idea and see how it goes!!

Jessica