How Living in a Toxic Environment can affect your personality

Life experiences are what create our mindsets; our surroundings play a pivotal role in shaping who we are. While positive environments can foster growth and resilience, the converse holds true as well. This blog post explores the profound impact of toxic environments on our personalities, shedding light on the subtle but significant changes that occur when toxicity seeps into our daily lives. Toxic surroundings can be imposed on us but in some situations they can be optional. I will share with you a little story or incident that prove this instance true. Then I will argue about the urgency of change as late as it gets, ways to overcome such negativity when you have no where else to refuge to or no one else to feel supported by. Life is tough and people can go through it not knowing how they have become the way they are, triumph over life can happen through intentional positive change.

I recently had a personal incident that I would call mind blowing because I felt a strong headache afterwards, for those who don’t know me, My name is Emma, I live and work in Dubai for 4 years now and like most other expats I have no family members around me so I live with other residents who are the same gender from multiple Arab nationalities, let me tell you the story first because I need to brain storm for the first time how can someone behave in a situation like this, although such story can seem irrelevant to some, or seem superficial to others, this is my story and I believe that some people may have faced the same truth at some point which left them flabbergasted like it did me.

I live with female expats of a certain nationality that I don't want to disclose, I have always tried to avoid contact with them given that these particular females are stereotypically violent, dominating people. This truth prevailed itself before my eyes in numerous incidents that have occurred to other residents too not just me, and I know only of the stereotypicality specific to females not male, because I have also lived with male residents who were fairly nice people. Let me tell you briefly about their personality from my mere point of view which is not in any way affected by any other person's idea because I like to make my own mind about people and how they are. So these flatmates will always find ways to prevail their dominance on others They will support each other but not someone other than their ethnicity, so today I was trying to use the bathroom sink. a punch of them were in the kitchen, and one of them denied me the use of the sink claiming that I wouldn't clean afterwards  and when I tried to defend myself by saying that they do the exact same thing, she snatched stuff that were in my hand to kick me out, she wouldn't even let me use the bathroom when it is for all of the residents, they all ganged up on me and supported her stand. I then got angry that I started to throw my own stuff around, asking them to leave because I needed to use the bathroom, I shouted so loud in the bathroom, I didn't argue I just shouted at them because it's my right to use the bathroom as much as it is theirs, she then took off her pants and peed on the ground to make me go out and not use the bathroom. But I should not fight for something that is mine, they will do any demeaning act to deny the rightful people from their right. The lady eventually left the scene, following which I shut the door, I let my demons out on them in words and I swore to do everything in my power to get back at them, because while I got no support from any other Arab resident, I decided I don't need defense from any other person, they continued fighting with me after that, trying to intimidate me out of my room with bad words and loud voice just to win over the argument that I didn't even start. I needed to know how I can really defend myself when I am in such position. I didn't know then. I was shocked by the situation, it left me with no words that someone could advocate for a wrong doing that they know it's wrong, because it's common sense. It left me broken and weak because the way I reacted made me feel so submissive to their intense behavior; in a way I have only mirrored their action in the most obnoxious way I discovered within me. In a split of a second I believed that if I had simply walked away I would be seen as submissive to them because they would feel how weak I am to hold my grounds and not defend my right. I realised how right it is to stand still and not walk away, given that I'm an obstinate person, I can get angry so fast and calm down even faster, but in between I could do a great damage. I would have apologised If I believe it's my fault, but with them it's never my fault, given that they are inherently trouble makers. What made me feel the severity of the situation is that the arguments and violence shared in this incident was adequate to involve authorities which felt like it would only result in mal-reputation and not resolution, I didn't want my name to be shared in a police report with them, because it would have involved cusses and what not.

I believe that this is the kind of negative environment that terribly affected my personality, it made me feel self conscious, it made me feel violent, it made my soul tremble because I was afraid I will be physically hurt; I even had nightmares, it made me lose confidence in my self-control which I have lodged at as one of my positive traits, I felt specifically naive because I didn't see the consequences of my reactions coming; in that I was not witnessed or backed up by anyone because all other residents were just afraid and distant and on the other hand I felt power that I expressed my reaction without being afraid of them on the spot, there were at least 6 of them vs just me regardless of how unsmart my reaction is.

Now that I have calmed down I want to advise myself and the readers what could be done when faced with a similar situation because every person is held responsible for their actions and not their reactions.

Read through the following tips to help you avoid situations like these for your own mental wellbeing that should be maintained and preserved:

1. Stay Calm: Try to remain calm and composed even when faced with aggression. Responding with anger or aggression may escalate the situation.

2. Document the Incident: Keep a record of any incidents that occur. Write down the details, including dates, times, and the individuals involved. This documentation can be useful if you need to report the incidents later.

3. Speak with Authorities: If you feel threatened or harassed, don't hesitate to contact the appropriate authorities. This could be local law enforcement, your landlord, or any other relevant organization that can address the issue.

4. Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or other expats who may understand your situation. Having a support system can be crucial during challenging times.

5. Conflict Resolution: If you feel comfortable, try to have a calm and respectful conversation with the individuals involved. Discuss your concerns and try to find common ground.

6. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations in your host country regarding discrimination and harassment. Understanding your rights can empower you in dealing with such situations.

7. Secure Your Personal Space: Ensure that your living space is secure. If necessary, consider installing locks or additional security measures to protect yourself and your belongings.

8. Explore Alternative Housing Options: If the situation persists and you feel unsafe, consider exploring alternative housing options. This may involve speaking with your landlord or finding temporary accommodation while you address the issue.

9. Counseling or Support Services: Seek counseling or support services to help you cope with the emotional toll of the situation.

   
   

Remember, it's crucial to prioritize your safety and well-being. If you find yourself in an emergency or immediate danger, don't hesitate to contact local authorities for assistance. Some solutions can work for you while others may not, but it's always important to remain calm and believe me that withdrawing is much more powerful because you will feel superior over your own emotions of wrath.

The bottom line, toxic environments can quietly shape our personalities. While the impact may not always be dramatic, it's essential to recognize and address these influences. By navigating the complexities, individuals can reclaim their true selves and cultivate resilience in the face of challenging circumstances.

Stay Tuned for my upcoming Blogposts in which I will discuss more on the subject on so many touching levels. With Monutopia, you don't only grow online but you also grow as a Person. In this journey we call life, there's much more important things than building an audience, it's originally a self building journey and you being in it makes a huge difference, Always remind yourself to think about a situation before you take action because there could be so many angels to one. Because of that notion never lose sight of your positive energy and how it may affect other people. Do great, live great and feel incredible. If you have any ideas that you want to share, don't hesitate to hit me up, I love to talk and chat with you. Make sure to check out my other blogposts for more Inspo. If you have special Content that you need advertised, fill out the form by clicking the link below. See you in the next blog.