It’s not uncommon to have at least one person in your life who stresses you out. Holidays can force interactions with toxic family members.

First, don’t take their toxicity personally. It’s often not about you. They may misdirect upset from other aspects of their own lives. You don’t have to have this person in your life regularly.

If you are upset with someone, acknowledge the different viewpoint. “Interesting point-of-view; I have this point-of-view.” Unexpressed to the source of stress, this can help you handle their opinions. Repeat to yourself until you don’t feel as charged up about it.

Additionally, you can be a kind and caring person without a toxic person in your life. It is a kindness to let them go. Be good to yourself and live your life without this person as a regular participant in it.

Listen as Doris Schachenhofer joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how you can interact with toxic individuals... or not.