The Impact of Toxic Relationships on Your Energy
Have you ever spent time with someone and felt completely drained, either during or after the interaction? Whether it’s a family member, a friend, or even a coworker, toxic relationships can leave you feeling exhausted—sometimes without you even realizing why. If you find that you have more energy when these individuals aren’t around, or you feel tired after spending time with them, it could be a sign that something in the relationship needs to shift. In some cases, it may even be time to reevaluate or end the relationship entirely.
Recognizing the Signs of Toxicity
Toxic relationships aren’t always obvious. They often come with subtle signs that can be easily overlooked, especially if you’ve been in the relationship for a long time. Emotional maturity plays a huge role here—many toxic dynamics stem from emotional immaturity. Narcissism, for example, is a common trait found in emotionally immature people, but it can exist on a spectrum. At its most extreme, narcissism involves grandiosity, but even in milder forms, it can still be a significant drain on your energy. If you recognize a pattern of exhaustion around certain people in your life, it might be time to pay attention to the dynamics at play.
Tools for Healing or Letting Go
The good news is that you don’t have to navigate toxic relationships alone. There are many resources that can help, including books and podcasts that explore emotional maturity. One resource I often recommend to my patients is a series of books by psychologist Lindsay C. Gibson, which focuses on emotional maturity and how it relates to toxic behavior. I also send my patients podcasts like We Do Hard Things, where Lindsay shares valuable insights into understanding and dealing with emotionally immature or toxic individuals. By educating yourself, you gain the power to take control of the situation—whether that means fixing the relationship or making the difficult decision to walk away.
How Education Can Empower You
The first step in reclaiming your energy is recognizing that education is power. Once you understand the dynamics at play in toxic relationships, you can make informed decisions on how to move forward. Relationships, while complex, don’t have to leave you emotionally drained. Sometimes, a shift in perspective or even in your boundaries is all it takes to restore your energy and mental well-being.
Be sure to check out my previous blog and YouTube post for more insights on how hidden factors, like inauthentic fatigue, can also be draining your energy!