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A few days ago I read an article on toxic people you should let go of as you head into the new year.

The clear realization as I was reading was that to every one of the toxic personalities mentioned, you can just say "no".
What do we owe people who are toxic to us? Nothing. We can be kindly indifferent by not engaging. This idea that the only way to be nice is to put yourself aside for the sake of someone else is ridiculous. We are not all going to be compatible. Our energies often let us know that long before we are able to kindly and calmly disengage. That is a *you* behavior to change, not a *them* behavior to change.  Because you may not enjoy being around their energy doesn't mean anything other than they feel toxic to you.
Be on your way. Move along.

The truth is it's not up to the other person to change, it's up to you to be true to yourself. Another's personality might be toxic to you but not to someone else. Period. End of story. No big deal.

Learning to say "no" is a sign of self-respect.
You're important to you. You value your beliefs, your outlook, your time. It's not about the other person at all. It's about what feeds you, your life, your soul. I know how hard this can be. I've come a long way, but still struggle with it at times. That's okay.  Like any behavior modification process, the practice of saying "no" becomes easier and more meaningful. Being in practice is better than being stuck!

As we head into the new year, learn to say "no" without self-judgment. Reread my post on friendship (be a friend ) and rid yourself of toxicity even from yourself this new year!
Cheers!!

**I'll share one of my favorite lines related to this (20ish seconds at the beginning of the clip) ...just add "to me" after the judgment in the statement and it's spot on!  "just shoot me" line   I wish I had the balls to say this sometimes! :)**