Toxic People

There’s something deeply purifying about spring-cleaning one’s cupboards, but it usually takes me a couple of weeks to psyche myself up for these perennial purges. Then, suddenly, the right mood will strike and, armed with a roll of giant black garbage bags and my favourite George Michael tracks for accompaniment, I’ll finally tackle the clutter.

Life, as it happens, is littered with situations that need ongoing attention and maintenance. Lawns periodically need mowing, hair necessitates grooming, social invitations demand reciprocity, cars require servicing, and so on – but who, in all honesty, consciously decides it’s time to spring-clean the relationships in their life?

It may seem like a strange notion, but there are definitely times when one should. Why? Because anyone who consistently drags us down, makes our blood boil, wears us out, deflates us, or belittles or confuses us is potentially as toxic to our health as a party filled with smokers or a drunk driver heading in our direction.

It usually takes just one small thing to bring into focus what may have been blurred for a long time: suddenly, you notice the true colours of a friend you always considered steadfast and loyal. Once she amused you with her soapbox dramas, but lately you’ve become conscious that it’s only tittle-tattle that fuels your relationship – and now you’ve fallen victim yourself to her scuttlebutt. It’s time to reassess.