We all want to be surrounded by people who lift us up, not bring us down. But is this always the case?

I get it. Sometimes, we find ourselves stuck with people who make us feel bad about ourselves, for no good reason.

These individuals could be anyone – a friend, partner, or even a family member. They have a knack for focusing on those areas of our lives where we are most vulnerable.

And sometimes, it can feel like we’re trapped in this toxic environment, where we’re constantly belittled and undervalued.

But hey, you’re not alone in this.

It’s a common experience for many of us to feel undervalued and disrespected by someone in our lives at one point or another.

But that’s the thing – maybe it doesn’t have to be this way. Maybe you tolerate more negativity than you need to. Recognizing the signs is not always easy.

In this article, I’m going to share with you seven things that if someone makes you feel bad about, they’re probably not worth keeping in your life.

1) Your personal achievements
Let me take you to a moment in my life. You’ve just gotten a promotion at work – something you’ve worked tirelessly for. But instead of receiving congratulations from a supposed close friend, I was met with mean comments and insulting comments.

They made me feel as if my accomplishment was minimal, or even undeserved.

Sound familiar? If someone makes you feel bad about your accomplishments instead of being happy for you, it’s a clear sign that they’re not worth keeping. Achievements, whether big or small, are milestones that should be celebrated, not belittled.

2) Your physical appearance
Now this is personal. I’ve struggled with my body image for a long time. I had someone in my life who was always criticizing my appearance – from my weight to my choice of clothing.

It took me a while to realize this, but no one has the right to make you feel bad about your physical appearance.

If someone is constantly criticizing your appearance or body shaming you, this is a red flag. Remember that your worth is not determined by your physical appearance but by who you are as a person. So don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.

3) Your past mistakes
We all make mistakes, it’s part of being human. In fact, making mistakes is an integral part of learning and growing. Research has shown that when we make mistakes and learn from them, it stimulates the growth of new neurons in our brain.

If you have someone in your life who constantly talks about your past mistakes, and uses them as a weapon to belittle or shame you, that’s not good. It is important to remember that our past does not define us.

Our mistakes are a stepping stone on the path to becoming better versions of ourselves. Don’t allow anyone to use it against you.

4) Your dreams and aspirations
All of us have dreams – visions of what we want our future to look like. These dreams are the core of our identity, and the compass that guides our lives. It may seem unrealistic to some, but it’s yours, and that’s all that matters.

If someone is constantly making fun of or belittling your dreams, making you feel as if they are out of reach or foolish, it can be very frustrating.

Remember that your dreams are valid, no matter how big or small they may seem. You have every right to chase them with all your heart. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.

5) Your lifestyle choices
Living a vegan lifestyle has been one of my personal choices for a while now. It is a decision that aligns with my beliefs and values. However, I had a friend who would constantly make fun of me because of it, and would make snide remarks at every meal we shared.

If you’ve ever gone through something similar, whether it’s your food preferences, your fashion style, or even your decision not to have kids, know this – your lifestyle choices are yours.

If someone belittles you because you live in a way that feels right for you, it’s more about them than it is about you. You deserve respect and understanding when it comes to your personal choices. You don’t need anyone in your life who doesn’t provide that.

6) Your financial situation
Money is a sensitive topic for many. But let me be clear: your worth is not determined by your bank balance. I’ve had my share of financial ups and downs, and people judge me based on that.

Whether you’re rolling in dough or struggling to make ends meet, if someone is making you feel inferior because of your financial situation, it’s time to reconsider their place in your life.

7) Your loved ones
Our relationships with our loved ones are deeply personal. I remember dating someone who had an issue with one of my close friends. They couldn’t accept my friendship with them and constantly insulted them.

If someone you know tries to cause problems between you and your loved ones, tries to isolate you, or makes you feel bad about the people you care about, this is a big red flag. Never allow anyone to come between you and the people who truly care about you.

Prioritize your mental health above all else

Did you know that one in five adults in the United States experiences a mental illness each year? Despite this prevalence, mental health is often overlooked and stigmatized.

I’ve dealt with anxiety for a long time, and people dismiss it as an overreaction or attention-seeking. If someone belittles or belittles your mental health struggles, it’s a clear sign that they’re not worth your time or energy.

Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your mental health over a toxic relationship. Surround yourself with people who understand and support you through your mental health journey.

Prioritize your mental health above all else

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