When Letting Go Is the Healthiest Choice: Removing Toxic People From Your Life
- Irene Mish
- Jul 30
- 2 min read

Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling emotionally drained, anxious, or small—only to realize it’s the same person who leaves you feeling this way, every time?
Whether it's a friend, a coworker, or even a family member, the truth is: not everyone is meant to stay in your life forever. Some relationships are deeply rooted in patterns that no longer serve you—and they may even be holding you back from the calm, aligned, and fulfilling life you’re working so hard to create.
What Does “Toxic” Really Mean?
The definition of toxic is very harmful or unpleasant in a pervasive or insidious way. That does not sound like something we would willing want to be a part of.
A toxic person can look like:
Constant criticism or passive-aggressive remarks
Guilt-tripping you for having boundaries
Undermining your goals or choices
Making everything about them
Creating chaos and then blaming you for reacting
Sometimes these behaviors are subtle. Sometimes, they’re coming from people we’ve known or loved for years. And that makes it incredibly hard to know when—or how—to step away. But here’s the reality: you are not obligated to stay connected to someone just because of history or shared DNA.
Why It’s Okay (and Even Necessary) to Walk Away
Letting go of toxic relationships isn’t about being cruel or unforgiving. It’s about protecting your peace, your energy, and your ability to grow.
It’s about choosing yourself.
Removing toxic people doesn’t mean you don’t care—it means you care enough about your well-being to stop tolerating what hurts you. This kind of decision takes courage and it NOT easy, especially if you’ve been the one who keeps the peace, avoids conflict, or prioritizes everyone else’s comfort. You may even get pushback from friends and or family about your decision. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
How Life Coaching Can Help
As a life coach, I help my clients navigate these emotional crossroads with clarity and compassion. If you’re struggling with:
Guilt for setting boundaries
Confusion over what’s “toxic” vs. what’s normal
Fear of being alone
Feeling responsible for others’ emotions
…you’re not broken. You’re human.
Together, we can create a space where you get to tell the truth—without judgment—and start to reclaim your energy, one boundary at a time. Life coaching isn’t about telling you what to do. It’s about giving you the support and tools to trust yourself and follow through.
You Deserve Peace
Healing sometimes means choosing yourself over keeping the peace with others. And that’s not selfish—it’s necessary. If you’re ready to clear the clutter in your relationships and reconnect with your calm, I’d love to help.
💬 Ready to take the first step? Let’s talk. Book a free discovery call today to see if coaching is right for you.📅 Schedule your call here.





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