Let me first list the qualities and the 3 main types of toxic people:
Arrogant
Passive-Aggressive
Victims
Even if we try our best to avoid people who use belittling language or tone and subtly put us down with their sarcasm or condescending phrasing, we might find ourselves in situations where we have to deal with them. What can we do?
Don’t feed the ego of arrogant people. One of the biggest mistakes you can make when dealing with arrogant individuals is showering them with compliments or kindness. Why? Because they often interpret it as weakness — and may try to take advantage of it.
Instead:
Stay polite but neutral
Keep the conversation focused on facts, not feelings
Maintain firm boundaries
2. Passive-aggressive behaviour can be tricky — it hides behind smiles, sarcasm, and subtle digs. But you can handle it without letting it derail your communication or mood.
What are the Signs?
Backhanded compliments that make you feel criticised
Silent treatment or withholding information
Sarcasm that makes you feel bad
Deliberate procrastination
The best approach would be to stay neutral. Reacting emotionally can give them the upper hand. Address the behaviour directly but gently. Set clear boundaries
3. Some people constantly cast themselves as the victim, blaming circumstances, other people, or “bad luck” for their problems. While empathy is important, enabling this mindset can stall progress and drain your energy.
Recognise the Pattern:
Frequent blaming of others
Refusal to take responsibility
Overemphasis on past hardships
Seeking sympathy without seeking solutions
Even if you try to shift their focus to solutions, they will not appreciate it and find plenty of reasons why the solution won't work. We need to avoid becoming the rescuer. "God help those who help themselves." If you constantly “save” them, you reinforce the helpless narrative. It would be more productive to encourage ownership instead. You can say things like:
I believe in you; you will find the way forward; you are stronger than you give yourself credit.