136: Signs Of A Toxic Person And When To Walk Away With Gary Thomas

March 15, 2021

Toxic relationships drain us, consume our brain space, and steal our joy. We’ve all experienced the aftermath of a toxic person’s destruction, but do we all know what to do next? In Episode 136, we interview Gary Thomas about the tall-tell signs of a toxic person and how to walk away from this relationship in freedom and without guilt. We can’t let others steal our joy or our mission. Listen in to learn how to set good boundaries and protect your life’s calling.

In This Episode, You Will Hear About:

The difference between a toxic person and someone who is difficult
How you know it’s time to walk away from a toxic situation or relationship
What to do if the toxic person is in your marriage
How you can help your children learn and understand what a toxic person is
Where reconciliation fits into a toxic relationship

Resources Mentioned During the Episode:

Purchase a copy of Gary Thomas’ book When To Walk Away: Finding Freedom From Toxic People
Find out more about Gary by visiting his website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Hear our previous episode with Gary about Marriage: The Good, The Hard, and The Beautiful
Listen to our episodes about Adult Friendships 101: What They Didn’t Teach You In School and Adult Friendships 201: Why Some Friendships Change Over Time (And How To Be Okay With That)

Quotes and Tweets:

Having to part ways [with someone] isn’t always a failure. Sometimes it’s a very wise strategy. @garyLthomas
While every toxic person is difficult, not every difficult person is toxic. @garyLthomas
Just because I disagree with someone doesn’t make them toxic. And, just because they are difficult to be around, does not make them toxic. @garyLthomas
Toxic people love to hate. They need division, strife, and feed off of conflict. @garyLthomas
There’s a difference between a toxic act and a toxic person. @garyLthomas
The best antidote to a toxic relationship is a healthy relationship. Invest your time into healthy relationships. @garyLthomas
Reconciliation is a glorious thing, but we can’t control it. We can invite reconciliation, but we cannot force it. @garyLthomas
If someone is getting in the way of you becoming the person God created you to be or frustrating the work God has called you to do, for you that person is toxic. @garyLthomas
Some use the label toxic too broadly as an excuse to avoid difficult, different, or hurting people. Let’s not do that. @garyLthomas
When a toxic person is attacking you, you don’t have to participate. Especially when you know it won’t make any difference, spend those few moments worshipping and relating to your heavenly father rather than contending with a hateful assault. @garyLthomas
Healthy people can disagree and walk away. Toxic people harbor a murderous spirit, at least in the sense of wanting to completely discredit you and shut you up. @garyLthomas

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Meet Gary Thomas:

Gary Thomas is a bestselling author and international speaker whose ministry brings people closer to Christ and closer to others. He unites the study of Scripture, church history, and the Christian classics to foster spiritual growth and deeper relationships within the Christian community.