[custom_adv] While no one wants someone who is too clingy, it's important to remember that showing some level of interest is necessary to maintain a relationship. I spoke with Samantha Daniels, a professional matchmaker, relationship expert, and author who told me that forgetting to show interest could be a deal breaker. [custom_adv] Just like showing interest is important, expressing gratitude for the thoughtful things your partner does — and acknowledging things that are going on in their life — helps sustain a connection. Daniels told me that it can be as simple as thanking your partner for doing the dishes, but that actually saying the words is important. [custom_adv] If forgetting to show interest or not expressing gratitude are already deal breakers, it makes sense that being preoccupied on dates — or being more concerned about text messages than you are about your partner — are less than ideal. Rachel Conlisk, a relationship expert and dating coach, told me that if you aren't paying attention to your date, they'll start paying attention to someone else altogether. [custom_adv] Whether your toxic behavior is a common occurrence, or just a once in a blue moon phenomena, it’s critical for your long-term happiness and success that you are able to recognize when you’re behaving negatively, and consciously shift your mindset when necessary. [custom_adv] People are toxic to be around when they believe that everything happening around them is a direct assault on them or is in some way all about them. The truth is that what people say and do to you is much more about them, than you. [custom_adv] Your friends seem to have gone a little quiet recently. Your phone used to vibrate off the hook, but the sound of vibrations has now been replaced by the sound of crickets. [custom_adv] Toxic people defy logic. Some are blissfully unaware of the negative impact that they have on those around them, and others seem to derive satisfaction from creating chaos and pushing other people's buttons. Either way, they create unnecessary complexity, strife and, worst of all, stress. [custom_adv] Research has found that stress can have a lasting, negative impact on the brain. Exposure to even a few days of stress compromises the effectiveness of neurons in the hippocampus, which is an important brain area responsible for reasoning and memory. [custom_adv] Most sources of stress at work are easy to identify. If your non-profit is working to land a grant that your organization needs to function, you're bound to feel stress and likely know how to manage it. [custom_adv] Many people end up in toxic romantic relationships with narcissists or borderlines and wonder how it happened. Those powerful feelings they experienced weren’t love — they were emotional manipulation. [custom_adv] Always deal with the problem at hand by presenting them with choices. It gives them the illusion of autonomy and control, which will reduce further conflict. [custom_adv] Most people are good. But if someone gets your Spidey-Sense tingling, pay attention to their words, notice your emotions, try the 90% rule, use CARS — and be nice to flying monkeys. [custom_adv] In our line of work, Angel and I hear from hundreds of coaching clients every month. Through this experience, we’ve come across scores of toxic behaviors that push people away from each other. [custom_adv] And we’ve witnessed the devastation these behaviors cause – to relationships, to personal and professional growth, and to the general well-being of both the individual behaving negatively, and to everyone in their life. [custom_adv] Your friends seem to have gone a little quiet recently. Your phone used to vibrate off the hook, but the sound of vibrations has now been replaced by the sound of crickets.