The trick to handling these people, in my opinion, is to just let them be. You can't let them get to you, don't let them unnerve you, because if you do, they'd see that they've achieved their goal.
Toxic people will pollute everything around them. Don't hesitate. Fumigate.
It's your choice, your decision to let their opinions affect you. Their thoughts or remarks don't matter and they never will as long as you stand strong and firm.
Once, I've had a friend who would criticise everything I wore. "You sure you want to wear that," "Wow *laughs* that's so ugly." I've never gotten the end of it. She would even pick at my every mannerism. And I'm not the only target of her 'abuse'. At the end of my school year, my friend and I cut ties with her. It was the best decision I've ever made. It certainly has made me a happier person.
Now, another has come along. I've never been the kind to burn bridges so I've actually been keeping my distance. Because there's only so much I can take of her.
7 things negative people will do to you. They will...
1. Demean your value;
2. Destroy your image
3. Drive you crazily
4. Dispose your dreams
5. Discredit your imagination
6. Deframe your abilities
7. Disbelieve your opinions
If someone in your life has more than 4 of the above, you need to get rid of her/him. They're not worth your time and energy. The only thing that would become of you, is tired mentally and physically.
That girl in my life has tried to bring me down many times and my other friend would most times, back me up. For example, there was a time when I wanted to try out Mixed Martial Arts course and she kept on nagging that I'm not the type to be in this course. She went on to give a few nonsensical reasons as to why I shouldn't join. I couldn't be bothered and was actually zoning out the whole time. But my other friend suddenly said, "Why are you trying to tell her she can't do something? If she wants to, she should try it out for herself what!" I was shocked, happily though because I could see the epicness on her face haha
Another time I mentioned that I wanted to travel to Australia, go on a solo trip or with my friend. Then she jumped in and said, "You're not the kind to go travelling alone one! You see that time...." She went on and on. Until, of course, I couldn't take it. You can talk about anything you want, but do not discredit my passion to travel. I started rambling off and in a sense, snapped, saying that she doesn't know me no matter how much she think she does.
There are many other things but I'll just end here because you've got the gist I believe.
One day, I'll be able to let go like I've done with the old ex-friend. It's just a matter of time even though I do not really want to. I just want to give this friendship a last try.
