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Often times it is the small and subtle things that can hurt friendships, relationships or work connections. Check some of the subtle signs of toxic communication.
Toxic communication can hurt relationships over time. (AI Generated Image)
We talk all the time, through calls, messages, meetings and conversations at home, but talking more doesn’t always mean better communication. In fact, some of the most harmful habits show up in quiet, everyday ways. It’s not always about arguments or yelling. Sometimes, it’s small things like brushing off someone’s feelings or constantly shifting the focus back to yourself. These patterns may seem minor, but over time, they can hurt friendships, relationships or work connections.
Here are five early signs of unhealthy communication and simple ways to deal with them without adding more stress.
They Make Every Conversation About Themselves
Whenever you try to open up, they quickly turn the topic back to their own experiences. Without meaning to, they take over the conversation, leaving little room for your thoughts. This kind of one-sided communication can make you feel ignored or unimportant. Try gently saying, “I’d like to share something, too – can we talk about that for a bit?”
They Blame You For How They Feel
You find yourself feeling guilty for their emotions, even when you haven’t done anything wrong. They might say things like, “You never understand me,” or “You always make me feel bad,” which can make you feel bad just for being honest. This kind of blame can silence you and make it hard to express yourself. A gentle but clear response could be, “I understand you’re upset, and I care – but I also need to be able to speak my mind without feeling guilty.”
They React, But Don’t Listen
When you talk, they interrupt or respond quickly without actually understanding what you said. It feels like they’re more focused on replying than listening. Your thoughts and feelings often get ignored, making it hard to feel heard. True communication means being fully present, not just hearing words. You can gently say, “I’d appreciate it if we could both take a moment to listen to each other before we reply.”
They Avoid Talking About Serious Issues
When you bring up something important, they either change the subject or shut down the conversation. It may seem like they want to avoid conflict, but ignoring tough topics doesn’t fix anything – it just allows problems to build up over time. You can gently say, “I know this isn’t easy to talk about, but avoiding it won’t help. Can we work through this together, even if we take it slowly?”
They Attack You Instead Of The Issue
During disagreements, instead of talking about the actual problem, they point fingers at your tone, personality or motives. What could’ve been a simple conversation turns into something hurtful and personal. Healthy communication allows space for different opinions; personal jabs only create distance. You can calmly say, “I’m not attacking you—I just have a different opinion.” If it happens often, it may be time to set clear boundaries about respectful communication.
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Delhi, India, India
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