Do you ever wonder why some people persist in carrying on with toxic relationships? There are some very heavy and tragic scenarios when it comes to relationships (for example: domestic abuse), and those are the ones that tend to stay with us the most. But, have you ever considered ‘milder’, subtler situations that are, in fact, toxic relationships, too?

Some of us tend to absorb the energies that surround us in a larger degree than others. When we absorb negativity, it affects us in a much more serious way than just the regular ‘bad mood’. Toxicity on an energetic level can cause illness; anxiety; and depression. Our spirits and souls are precious and we must always keep that fact in mind, whenever we are in constant interaction with people usually labelled as ‘difficult’.

Energy vampires. Drama queens. Divas. We all know those terms and may use them jokingly, but the effect that such personalities have on our daily lives is palpable and the consequences are usually pernicious. We all want to be helpful and supportive – but we must be careful to draw the line somewhere. The moment a relationship becomes a source of stress or grief, it’s time to set boundaries, discuss the problem with the other person or end it. It’s perfectly fine to say ‘No’ to drama. Our spiritual, physical and emotional well being is essential for our happiness. If we’re not happy ourselves, how can we make this world a better place, and how can we expect to have a positive impact on the lives of our loved ones?

It’s always a good idea to assess our relationships (with relatives, friends, partners, co-workers, etc.) just to make sure that they are still lifting us higher. While we’re at it, we might also ask ourselves the question: are we contributing to the happiness of the people who are in any kind of relationship with us? The answer might surprise you.

Looking forward to your thoughts and comments at docbeverly@aol.com.