My Friend wrote this for her hometown Newspaper.

[Griobhtha]

 Americans are anxiously watching the toxic oil spilling into the Gulf and fouling the coastlines of several states. The nightly news brings us graphic images of the devastation caused by toxic sludge collecting where it doesn't belong.

In two separate places this morning, I read references to toxic personalities, making me think that perhaps the subject should be addressed while we can link it to the graphic example in nature.

At some point in our lives, all of us are bound to meet a person with a toxic attitude. Maybe it's that person addicted to gossip, or someone who is permanently negative about life in general. These folks dump their bad attitudes into our lives and that can foul our minds and emotions with caustic sludge.

If we recognize what is happening, we can take steps to avoid becoming caught up with that same toxic attitude.

When they start to gossip, stop them or change the subject.  Don't give a reply to the gossip.
When they are all about being negative, I call them " energy vampires" because they sucked all your energy with negativity, find something to say that is positive, or just Don't answer.
You can find what works best in your situation, just don't get caught in " Caustic sludge".

[aesopsfable]

She needs to practice what she preaches.

[takncarabizniz]

And you're posting this on every board so that both sides of the aisle receive the message, right?
 
Or is it just one side you believe has to step up ?

[Griobhtha]

Hadn't thought about posting it anywhere else, as the point was to remember to give a "positive" lift" to all  you come into contact with daily,.  It made me stop and think about how I act with certain people in my neighborhood, and how I need to step up.

[sunshine]

I hear ya grio.

[emilyB]

That was a good analogy.  I guess we can all be toxic at times.  It's very rare to find someone who is all sweetness and light.