Psychology Diary

The First Step Toward Change Is Awareness

  • Home
  • Relationships
  • Mental Health
  • Expert Tips
  • Life
  • Family
  • Marriage

12 Signs You’re Dealing With a Toxic Family Member

February 28, 2023 · Family
Infidelity family
Photo by fizkes at Shutterstock

They try to control you

A general theme, one of your parents is more likely to display controlling behavior (but this doesn’t exclude the siblings), and this is one of the biggest signs of a toxic family. This might look like belittling someone or having unattainable standards regarding everything, and love that’s 100% conditioned on many things (financial or emotional).

How to react to toxic relatives

If you don’t know how to handle a toxic relative, the best thing you can do is establish some personal boundaries. This way, when these boundaries are crossed, you’ll know how to respond. From this point, you will have two options: either to disengage, or face it head-on.

Also, you NEED to remember that your family members WANT you to engage in toxic behavior. Yes, it’s true, if you act like them, they will feel pleased. That’s why you need to make sure that every time you feel anger, you have to soften the way you deliver information, using a certain language that’s not directly addressed to them. And the most important thing is to remember this: the only thing you can fully control is your actions.

You’re glad you found this piece? Good, because we have many other articles in store for you: 10 Reasons Why Assisted Living Facilities Are a Great Decision

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Share this article

Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search

Latest Posts

  • Editorial ink and watercolor illustration of a person wearing a suit of mirrors as protective armor, symbolizing defensive ego preservation. 9 Signs You Struggle to Admit Mistakes
  • A conceptual mixed-media collage showing dark, chaotic textures emerging from a clean paper silhouette, symbolizing hidden guilt leaking out 7 Signs Someone May Feel Guilty About Something
  • An editorial illustration of a person sitting at a table with a root system growing from their chair into the floorboards. The Mental Symptoms Many People Ignore Until It's Too Late
  • An editorial watercolor illustration of two people sitting at an impossibly long dining table, symbolizing emotional distance. 10 Behaviors That Can Push People Away
  • A grandfather and granddaughter sitting on a wooden dock at sunset, sharing a quiet moment looking into the water. The Unexpected Health Benefits of Spending Time With Grandchildren
  • An editorial gouache illustration of an anonymous leader's profile silhouette filled with abstract patterns, representing public perception. The Psychology of Donald Trump: Traits, Behaviors, and Public Perception
  • An artistic mixed-media collage silhouette of a person filled with tangled threads, a clock dial, and watercolor shapes on textured paper. 9 Everyday Symptoms That May Be Linked to Anxiety
  • Lonely1, feel depression 10 Therapist-Approved Tips for When You're Feeling Lonely
  • A conceptual mixed media collage with a compass, geometric shapes, and watercolor washes symbolizing structure and flow. 8 Signs You’re a Self-Disciplined Person
  • A mixed media collage of a figure made of layered paper and watercolor, symbolizing emotional flexibility and resilience. 12 Signs You're Mentally Stronger Than You Realize

Newsletter

Get the latest posts delivered to your inbox.

Related Articles

family

5 Signs your Family Is Trying to Manipulate You

It can be tough to accept, but sometimes the people we should consider to be…

Read More →
Generational Trauma

Generational Trauma: 9 Effective Ways to Get Off the Hamster Wheel

Is it possible to break the cycle of generational trauma? You’ve heard the saying “Hurt…

Read More →
stay connected with your grandkids

The 6 Best Activities to Stay Connected with Your Grandkids

6. Bake or cook something As with painting, many parents don’t want to let their…

Read More →
Divorce

Headed Towards a Divorce? Here Are 14 Surprising Factors That Increase Your Risk

Could you be heading toward a divorce? Let’s look at the signs! The reasons people…

Read More →

Your In-Laws Might Cause You These 9 Common Troubles

You have to consider your in-laws too when you are getting married! When you decide…

Read More →
Mother and daughter holding hands, talking on park bench.

How to Set Healthy Boundaries with Your Adult Children

A Note on Safety The strategies in this article are designed for families dealing with…

Read More →
toxic grandparent, emotional masochist

7 Shocking Signs You Might Be a Toxic Grandparent

Are you a toxic grandparent? Let’s find out together! A relationship between adult children and…

Read More →
Grandfather reading to grandchildren in a park.

Grandparenting from a Psychologist’s Perspective: How to Build a Strong Bond

A Note on Safety and Professional Support The guidance in this article is intended for…

Read More →
Overcoming Parent-Child Conflict

Overcoming Parent-Child Conflict: 5 Easy Steps to Navigate

Psychology Diary Presents: Overcoming parent-child conflict In the complex world of family dynamics, the delicate…

Read More →

Psychology Diary

The First Step Toward Change Is Awareness

Inedit Agency S.R.L.
Bucharest, Romania

contact@psychologydiary.com

Explore

  • About Us
  • Advertiser Disclosure
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Do not sell my personal information
  • Editorial Policy
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Subscribe
  • Unsubscribe

Categories

  • Expert Tips
  • Family
  • Life
  • Marriage
  • Mental Health

© 2026 Psychology Diary. All rights reserved.