What you need to know before you call someone "Toxic"
Do you deflect blame or justify your mistakes? Accountability isn't about perfection, it's about owning your impact. If you often say things like 'Sorry you feel that way' or 'I wouldn't have done that if you hadn't…,' you might be dodging responsibility. If vulnerability was punished in your past, defensiveness may feel like self-protection.
Try to shift:
Replace blame with honest reflection.
Shift from 'Why is this happening to me?' to 'What can I do next?'
Do you correct, critique, or offer 'honest feedback' that no one asked for? There's a fine line between being real and being rude. If you regularly highlight flaws without balancing encouragement, it could be toxic. We often judge others where we feel most insecure ourselves.
Try to shift:
Offer the compassion you wish you'd received
Swap unsolicited advice for active listening.
Do you sulk, withdraw, or guilt-trip when disappointed? Manipulation isn't always calculated. Sometimes, it's a learned way to cope when direct communication seems unsafe. If expressing needs was ignored or punished, guilt might feel like the only option.Yet, no matter the underlying reason, yielding power over someone else isn't healthy.
Try to shift:
Practice stating your needs clearly. Map them out by yourself first.
Know that you're allowed to want things, and to ask directly.
Do you take 'no' personally? Are you often trying to change people's minds? Respecting boundaries is a critical relationship skill. If you find yourself pushing back when others set limits, it may be time to pause. If boundaries weren't modeled in childhood, they may feel like rejection now.
Try to shift:
Learn to recognize boundaries as safety that protects you and others too.
Reflect on your own boundaries.
Practice asking people to share their boundaries in times you are unclear.
Do people feel uplifted or drained after being around you? Honest venting can be okay at times, but if you're often stuck in complaint mode, it can impact those around you. What examples do you have of raising the vibe and how does that compare to dampening the energy? Negativity can feel protective, like bracing for impact, but it also can inhibit connection.
Try to shift:
Notice and name small wins and joys.
Ground your honesty in hope.
Do you plan everything, lead everything, and struggle to let go? Control can feel like safety when you've experienced chaos or betrayal. Fear of abandonment and the unknown often fuel control. While these are understandable anxieties, without working on them the need for control can eave others feeling suffocated.
Try to shift:
Create a safe space to explore your fears of letting go
Focus on building inner safety.
Trust what's meant for you won't require force to stay.
Do you ghost, shut down emotionally, or quietly build resentment? Sometimes toxicity is in what we don't do. Silence, avoidance, and passive withdrawal are all signs of disconnection. Avoidance often stems from fear of confrontation or not feeling safe to express emotion.
Try this:
Reflect on the difference between acceptance and avoidance
Start small, you don't have to tackle your biggest problems first.
Maybe you're wondering, 'Does this mean I'm toxic?' Not necessarily. Truth be told, if your toxicity was sky-high you likely wouldn't have made it this far into this article. If you did notice room for growth, excellent work! It's that awareness, that we often overlook, that sparks impactful change. Before you go please remember, no one is perfect, and being willing to look at the truth is meaningful work.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
White House Tries to Shake Off Trump's Bizarre Hand Make-Up
The mysterious recurring bruise on the back of Donald Trump's right hand reappeared on Tuesday, prompting a fresh wave of concern over the president's health. Trump, 79, was spotted with a healthy dose of flesh-colored concealer on his hand as he was photographed boarding Marine One at the White House on his way to Pittsburgh. Trump was speaking to reporters about Russian President Vladimir Putin when a cameraman spotted his hand and zoomed in for a closer look. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the Daily Beast that the bruise is due to the president's serial handshaking. When asked if any medical reasons could explain the bruise, Leavitt said, 'President Trump is a man of the people and he meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other President in history. His commitment is unwavering and he proves that every single day.' Leavitt made similar comments last month. The president also said the bruise was a work-related injury in Time last December. 'It's from shaking hands with thousands of people,' he said. In February, speculation over Trump's discolored hand re-emerged when it was noticed during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. Dr. Neal H. Patel, a doctor at Providence St Joseph Hospital, told the Daily Mail earlier this year that shaking hands is unlikely to have caused the damage. 'I see a lot of patients who are businessmen, and I've never really seen them getting bruising from too much handshaking,' he said. 'I guess it's possible, but that would really not be on my list of ideas of what causes it.' Patel suggested it could be a bruise from the use of an IV needle. Other doctors have said Trump's age may be a factor, especially if he is also suffering from osteoporosis. Right-wing columnist Miranda Devine addressed the bruising last month. 'He will endure constant bruises on the back of his hands from well-wishers showing their gratitude with vigorous handshakes that he reciprocates warmly, even though he's a renowned (maybe reformed) germaphobe,' she wrote. In April, the White House released the president's health report, which claimed he had no major issues, stating he had a normal health function and 'blood flow to his extremities is unimpaired.' That same month, the bruise showed up again when Trump held a football at a Commander-in-Chief Trophy ceremony in Washington, D.C. It also stated his joints and muscles had 'no swelling,' and while his skin had some 'minor sun damage,' no 'concerning lesions or growths' were present.
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Sugar, sex and your health: The connection you might be ignoring
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt is a urologist and robotic surgeon with Orlando Health and an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida's College of Medicine. When most of us think about sugar, I bet we're not thinking about our sex lives. We're thinking about dessert. I'm writing this with the help of a bowl of vanilla ice cream by my side. Sugar makes us feel good in the moment, but over time, too much of it may cause us to lose out on some of life's most intimate moments. In 2025, everyone's been buzzing about GLP-1 injections to help control sugar and lose weight. This new class of medication has helped many achieve meaningful health gains — including improved blood sugar, weight loss — and even improvements to people's sex lives (because they could be getting better sleep, too). My goal here isn't to discount the use of GLP-1 drugs or suggest people are taking them unnecessarily (although some people may be). My intent is to spark a broader conversation: What if we also paid more attention to the root cause: our love for sugar and its downstream effects on mood, metabolism, sex and more? Is your blood sugar normal? Most people associate blood sugar with diabetes, but few know what is 'normal.' Blood sugar levels can be checked in real time with a simple finger stick, via home glucose monitor or through wearable devices such as continuous glucose monitors (those coin-size devices you may see on people's upper arms), which provide feedback on glucose levels throughout the day. What do we see when this test is done? Following is the American Diabetes Association range of reference for blood glucose levels, but they are not meant for you to diagnose yourself with diabetes. In many instances, your provider may double- or even triple-check these numbers before labeling you with 'diabetes.' All numbers should be evaluated by your health care provider. Fasting blood sugar (no food for at least eight hours prior): Normal: below 100 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) Prediabetes: 100 to 125 mg/dL Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher Random blood sugar (taken any time of day): Diabetes is often diagnosed if levels are 200 mg/dL or higher with symptoms. The point-of-care glucose test gives a snapshot, but there's one lab that tells the full story — the hemoglobin A1c. What is hemoglobin A1c, and why does it matter? This blood test measures the percentage of hemoglobin proteins in your blood that have glucose attached to it — giving you and your health care providers a picture of your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. This makes it a reliable indicator of how well your body manages glucose over time. Here's how the American Diabetes Association breaks it down: Normal: A1c below 5.7% Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4% Diabetes: 6.5% or higher In my work as a surgeon, checking A1c before any procedure — especially those involving implants — is standard practice. Elevated A1c levels are strongly linked to poor recovery, infection risks and surgical complications. So, whether it's a major urologic procedure or something else, keeping your glucose in check matters more than most people realize. What high blood sugar does to your sex life Sexual health is rarely the first thing people associate with blood sugar, but chronically high glucose levels can have an impact on intimacy — for everyone. In men, high blood sugar can damage the nerves and blood vessels essential for achieving and maintaining erections. Over time, this can present as erectile dysfunction, before a man is ever diagnosed with or thought to be at risk for diabetes. High blood sugar can also lower testosterone levels, which then reduce libido and energy. Many of my patients who do not get routine screenings from their primary care providers come to see me because of changes in sexual performance — only to later discover their blood sugar is out of control. For these patients, their first clue that something was wrong wasn't thirst, weight changes or fatigue (the more common early signs of diabetes) — it was trouble in the bedroom. In women, high blood sugar can lead to reduced blood flow and hormone imbalances, which may cause vaginal dryness, painful sex or problems with orgasm. It can also increase the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections, which can make intimacy painful or less appealing. Many women can feel frustrated and confused about whether these changes are expected from aging, post-menopause, stress or something else. A poor sugar level is usually the last thing on their mind. How high blood sugar is treated Diabetes is incredibly common — about 38 million Americans have it — and nearly 1 in 4 don't even know it, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traditionally, diabetes treatment started with oral medications like metformin, which helps lower glucose by reducing sugar production in the liver. Other classes of pills work in different ways, either by increasing insulin release or helping the kidneys flush out excess sugar. These medications are typically prescribed for people in the earlier stages of diabetes or with mildly elevated A1c. Injectable medications may be necessary when oral pills aren't enough to treat the disease. For years, that often meant daily insulin injections, which many patients found to be burdensome but necessary. Insulin needs to be carefully timed with meals, and dosing can be tricky. There's also a real fear of low blood sugar episodes, which can make some people hesitant to start or stick with the therapy. Over the past few years, GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have become part of many people's treatment regimens. This class of medication is known by names like semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide. These injections mimic a natural hormone in your body that helps regulate blood sugar, slows down digestion and make you feel fuller faster. While they were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, they've gained worldwide attention for helping people lose weight. In fact, many patients now ask and get these medications before any other option — not just to manage blood sugar, but to lose weight. Better control over sugar can improve testosterone These medications also may help normalize testosterone levels in men with obesity or type 2 diabetes, according to preliminary research presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting this week. Researchers tracked 110 men who were prescribed GLP-1 injections but were not taking any testosterone therapy. Over the course of 18 months, as participants lost on average about 10% of their body weight, the number of men with normal testosterone levels increased from 53% to 77%. This rise highlights how medications originally designed for diabetes and weight loss also may improve hormone levels in men. While this abstract has not yet been peer-reviewed and more research is needed, these findings add to a growing body of evidence that managing weight and blood sugar can have ripple effects across nearly every aspect of health — including testosterone, energy and sexual function. Try this harder alternative first Before turning immediately to medications, don't underestimate what consistent lifestyle changes can do, not just for your blood sugar but for your whole life. Regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity, supports weight loss, boosts energy and even enhances sexual function by improving blood flow and hormone balance. A balanced diet — one that's rich in whole foods, fiber and lean protein — can stabilize blood sugar and reduce inflammation that contributes to chronic disease. Better sleep, reduced alcohol and managing stress all play a role, too. So, if you're debating between an injection or a new routine, maybe this time reach for the gym bag before you try anything else. You might just find it changes more than your labs. It might change how you feel about yourself. As for me, the next time I help myself to that scoop of ice cream while writing, I'll remember that it's not just about my waistline — it's about my energy, my heart and my sexual health. And now that I'm done with this article, I'll pick up my gym bag and walk the walk (to the gym) that I'm talking here. Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
This vitamin C serum leaves skin 'glowing' — and it's only $20 on Amazon Canada
Vitamin C has long been a staple in many a makeup bag, helping to keep skin looking bright, clear and youthful. Not surprisingly, the market is jam-packed with antioxidants claiming to help with cell regeneration and hyperpigmentation, but Amazon shoppers feel they've found an incredible option in the Eva Naturals Vitamin C Serum. The serum has raked in more than 52,000 reviews from Amazon shoppers — and it's only $20. Vitamin C Serum Plus With Hyaluronic Acid Serum More than 5,000 shoppers purchased this "Amazon's Choice" serum in the past month. Why is it a good deal? 💰 Finding a quality vitamin C serum that actually yields results is *chef's kiss.* But landing one that's affordable, too? Perfection. Other serums can cost $45 or more for the same amount of product, so this is an absolute steal. Why do I need this? 🧐 The Eva Naturals Vitamin C Serum is made primarily of vitamins C, E and B3, along with retinol, salicylic and hyaluronic acids. These ingredients are known to aid in preserving skin's suppleness and in preventing visible signs of aging. They can also help clear up breakouts and acne scars and improve overall skin tone and texture. What reviewers say 💬 With more than 52,000 Amazon reviews, it's fair to say this serum is a clear winner. Pros 👍 "This by far has been my favourite vitamin C serum," declared one. "I've used high-end and drugstore brands and this leaves my skin glowing every time, especially for the price point. It has hyaluronic acid, so it hydrates the skin and just leaves my skin feeling supple and soft. I've been using it for years and don't plan to stop!" It gives a glowing complexion, as another serum convert confirmed: "This stuff is so amazing; after just a couple of weeks of use, I saw such a difference (and I'm 60 years old!). Honestly, I keep touching my face — it's so smooth and soft and moisturized. But don't take my word for it: My boyfriend (hey, 60 is the new 40!) regularly tells me how much he 'loves' my skin, that my skin is so great." "Both my husband and I are using this serum," a pleased Amazon shopper wrote. "It is moisturizing and my husband says it's helping with darker pigmentation on his skin. I had a small dry red area and it's now gone. A little goes a long way, too. My skin tends to be very sensitive and I have no reaction to this. Very happy." Vitamin C Serum Plus With Hyaluronic Acid Serum This popular vitamin C serum has more than 52,000 reviews on Amazon. Cons 👎 As with any vitamin C product, be sure to test it on your skin before using it. One customer said, "I burned my face with this multiple times before finally getting the hang of it. I resisted the urge to quit and spent a couple of months figuring out what makes my sensitive combination skin happy. ... This product has made a notable difference in the texture of my skin, it has shrunk my pores and faded my acne scars." Another shopper thought the dispenser could use improvement: "I was looking for a new first step in my routine and this serum is a great one! It's all in one. It has kept my skin looking great and smooth! I love it! Wish it came in a pump though! Absorbs awesomely too. I then add my moisturizer with SPF, then sunscreen to finish up my daily skin routine.
