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How to Stop Toxic Avoidance for Good
I have a problem. A big problem, and it’s called Toxic Avoidance.
What’s that?
Toxic avoidance is when you regularly avoid people, situations, and tasks that make you uncomfortable or stressed.
Why is it bad?
Have you ever missed a text from a friend because you were busy? By the time you were free again, it felt like too much time had passed since they first messaged you. You ignore them instead of texting back.
Even though you know there is an easy solution, it feels easier to avoid the situation until the “bad feelings” disappear.
This is toxic avoidance.
My toxic avoidance stemmed from being both a perfectionist and people-pleaser — dunk that with being easily stressed, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Too many people needed something from me, and they were annoyed I hadn’t responded — even though I was working long hours at the time. I had a bill I forgot to shut off from an old apartment, and I felt irresponsible and embarrassed.
