There are several toxic behaviors that are considered normal nowadays. Society often sets unwritten rules that we are expected to follow, and many unacceptable actions have become normalized and acceptable in our society, even though they’re very harmful.
Indeed, you may have some of them, or know people who do. We all know people with toxic traits, and it is easy to avoid the worst of it all and not take it to heart when you know someone’s behavior is harmful.
But what happens when you can’t be positive that someone is toxic because it is now seen as the norm to do those things? Here are five toxic behaviors that are considered regular but aren’t.
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7 Toxic Behaviors That Are Considered Normal
1. Always Seeking The Spotlight
The spotlight takes turns shining on different people. That’s simply how life is. Not everyone gets to be under the glare of the world’s eye all the time, and even celebrities go in and out of the limelight from time to time.
However, there are some people whose wish is to live in the spotlight. Nothing would please them more than having people talk about them all day long, but this is a toxic trait.
Some people laugh it off, and it’s even played like a quirky personality trait. But it is one of the toxic behaviors that are considered normal, and it can be very negative to the people who have to deal with it.
Here are some examples of toxic traits in this vein:
i. Seeking Constant Validation
A little validation in life is lovely! Demanding it constantly, however, is exhausting to others and even to the person who desires it, if we are being sincere.
The reality is that if someone’s only source of validation is from external forces, they’re going to lose a lot of positive thinking when they’re unable to get it. True “validation” can be found from within, as intrinsic motivation helps to fulfill the self in genuine ways that other people can’t.
ii. Demanding Attention
It is okay to desire attention every now and then, especially if you have done something significant or had a moment of success in your life. But constantly seeking attention with outlandish behavior and desiring any attention, even negative attention, is one of the toxic behaviors that are considered normal.
Wanting to always be the center of attention is like demanding that the world revolve around you. And that’s not how it works.
iii. Pleasing Others Excessively
No one, typically, wants to cause a stir by going against what the majority seems to be on board with. That’s just human nature. But constantly being a people-pleaser to ridiculous ends is toxic.
Someone who bends over backward to do what everyone wants is harmful to others by making empty promises and following their insecurities’ whims. And, of course, they’re toxic to themselves by doing too much, relying on other people’s approval, and letting themselves get taken advantage of.
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2. Invalidating Someone’s Trauma Because Other People Have It Worse
Trauma isn’t a competition, and you should never feel the need to explain your feelings to anyone. Your trauma is valid regardless of how long ago it was or whether or not others have had it worse.
3. Constant Negativity
Everyone has bad days and is entitled to complain because some things are worth complaining about. But there’s a limit to how much someone can complain before it becomes unproductive and a waste of time, and constantly complaining can turn into a never-ending state of negativity.
Some people are naturally pessimistic, but you drag everyone’s mood away from happiness when you let negativity absorb you. It seeps into everything and absorbs light from situations. Constant complaining is draining for everyone involved—both the complainer and those who have to listen to it.
Worse still, complaining can be a toxic habit that is deeply ingrained and difficult to break. It can also result in over-complaining and unwanted criticism.
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4. Insulting People And Laughing It Off As A Joke
Many times, people will insult others for their own amusement. This is one of the most common toxic behaviors that are considered normal and are mostly seen among younger generations.
While it’s okay to joke around every so often, it’s important to remember that your jokes shouldn’t hurt someone’s feelings. You should also be able to recognize when you’ve crossed a line.
5. High-and-Mighty Behavior
No one likes people who act like they’re above everyone else, but sometimes, it’s easy to dismiss this behavior. You may think someone is just a little cocky or a tiny bit too confident, not realizing that these behaviors are more toxic than they initially seem.
It could manifest itself as arrogance, which many people feel is acceptable but isn’t. Think about it: anyone who genuinely believes that they’re better than others is inherently questionable in morality. And though research indicates some arrogance is more easily accepted by people, that doesn’t remove it from the list of toxic behaviors that are considered normal.
It could also be that they are entitled, and entitled people are a pain to deal with. These people don’t know the meaning of the word gratitude and think that they are entitled to everything in life. Note, though, that there is a significant difference between being aware that basic human rights should be met and being entitled. Entitlement comes into play when someone thinks they are worthy of fortune, fame, luxury, or success.
SEE: Confidence vs Arrogance: The Subtle Yet Critical Difference Between These 2 Traits
6. Calling People Boring For Not Wanting To Drink Or Smoke
Drinking or smoking are both common at parties or other events. People go to parties to have fun and often see alcohol or drugs as a way to enhance their fun. However, not all people perceive the idea of fun in the same way.
Unfortunately, when people don’t indulge in drugs or alcohol, they’re called “boring” and usually pressured to take part just for the sake of pleasing their friends. It is one of the toxic behaviors that are considered normal.
7. Acts of Insincerity
Sometimes, we have to put on a bit of an act to get by at certain points in life. But being insincere is entirely different from putting on a brave face or choosing not to share something with someone. It means behaving in an untrue manner and promoting these falsehoods to the point where no one knows the truth anymore. And unfortunately, it is one of the toxic behaviors that are considered normal.
For some, insincerity can take the form of pretending to be someone you’re not, but that’s widely recognized as toxic behavior. The more insidious forms of hypocrisy involve things that people may not be able to discern as negative right away.
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8. Gossiping
Gossiping a little isn’t necessarily bad. However, an obsession with talking about others behind their backs, whispering little half-truths, and then showing an innocent face to those you just insulted… is wrong! And yet, it’s considered a normal part of social interaction, even though it shouldn’t be, and it’s one of the toxic behaviors that are considered normal.
There is no point in gossip, and it helps no one.
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A Wrap On Toxic Behaviors That Are Considered Normal
Many of these behaviors have been normalized by society. However, it’s important to remember that these are all toxic behaviors, and encouraging them results in negative consequences. Avoiding these behaviors is the best way to reduce toxicity in society.
