Tips for Addressing Toxic Relationships with Family Members

​Based in Southern California, Timothy Kovacs is a longtime school administrator focusing on early childhood education. Timothy Kovacs has extensive knowledge in navigating toxic relationships. He has been a marriage family therapist since 2005.

Toxic family members often have attributes that start with being manipulative and doing whatever they can to control situations in a way that benefits them. Blaming others for their own issues, they rarely say sorry or express guilt and are often critical or judgmental about themselves possess. Without the emotional filter, they may shout or use harsh words without considering the impact on the other party involved.

With a toxic family dynamic involving close relatives, cutting people off from one’s life can be challenging. Even if living geographically apart, there will likely be family gatherings and other situations that necessitate person-to-person contact. While you may try and set boundaries, part of what makes them toxic may involve regularly breaking such lines and attempting to impose their will.

For this reason, learning the art of not engaging is critical. While holding one’s tongue at provocative actions designed to get a response may be difficult in the heat of conversation, your sanity depends on it. With the idea that “anything you say can be held against you,” staying silent and might be the most ideal option to avoid further conflict.

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