6 toxic people you should kick to the curb next year

No Images? Click here     Oxford Dictionary proclaimed “toxic” the word of the year for 2018, and for good reason. There are probably a few people in your life you’d put into that category, and we think it’s about time you kicked them to the curb. Start 2019 on the right note, filled with only people who bring you joy and enhance your life in some way. This week, we asked therapists to identify the types of toxic people you’d do well to leave behind. Do any sound familiar? Take the professionals’ advice and say goodbye and good riddance. Xo, Ashley Rockman   In case you missed it This comic — the latest in our original series, “Love Illustrated” — will resonate with anyone whose significant other just doesn’t get their references. Check it out in full here. Ask an expert   A reader writes, “How can I make my partner feel seen and heard even when we disagree? I want to share my opinion and let him know that I disagree with him, but when I do so he feels like I'm belittling his opinion and not taking it into account.” Mabel Yiu, a marriage and family therapist who founded the Women’s Therapy Institute in Palo Alto, California, answers this week’s question. Here’s what she had to say: “When you two disagree, is it about making the other person adopt a viewpoint or is it about finding a middle ground? Without observing how you two communicate disagreements, it’s difficult to pinpoint whether the issue lies in the communication styles or his perception of your communication. Many couples view disagreements as zero-sum games; therefore they fight like cats and dogs in these situations. I get it; deep down, everybody wants to be right. It is tough to maintain a harmonious relationship when either or both seek to win. When I coach couples, I emphasize the idea that disagreement doesn’t have to be a right or wrong issue. The key to it is to make disagreement neutral. You can say something like, “I see what you are saying, I have another take on this…” That way, it’s less about who is right and who is wrong. It is important not to strong-arm the other person to take your viewpoint (unless it’s a life-or-death situation). Most things aren’t dire, and therefore there’s space for you two to discuss and come to a middle ground.” Have a question you want answered? E-mail it to us at relationships@huffpost.com   #TBT On the one hand, dating when you work as a sex therapist has its upsides: You’re well versed in people’s bedroom hangups and likely have fewer of your own. On the other hand, people tend make assumptions about you and your sex positivity before even meeting — like that you’re quick to jump into bed or respond to late-night sexts. Earlier this week, reporter Brittany Wong talked to sexperts around the country about their dating lives. Here’s a choice quote: “Some people are nervous or self-conscious about their performance. I’m like, chill out. We’re here to have a good time, not win an Oscar.” Go here for more. Links we love: These LGBTQ+ Proposal Stories Will Make You Feel All Warm And Fuzzy 15 Dog Reveals That Are Cuter Than Gender Reveal Parties 30 Tweets You'll Find Extra Funny If You're Married    .     HuffPost is now a part of Oath and a part of Verizon. On May 25, 2018 we introduced a new Oath Privacy Policy which will explain how your data is used and shared. Learn More. No moon dust. No B.S. Just a completely essential daily guide to achieving the good life. Subscribe here. Like what you see? Share it. Can't get enough? You'll also love HuffPost's Entertainment newsletter. ©2018 HuffPost | 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 You are receiving this email because you signed up for updates from HuffPost Feedback | Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe      . - - Preferences  |  Unsubscribe