Most advice says: “Just avoid toxic people.”
But what if you can’t?
What if that person is your boss, your spouse, your parent, or someone you can’t simply walk away from?
This is where most advice breaks down.
And this is where people start to feel stuck, confused, or even guilty.
If this is your situation, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
👉 Book a confidential session here.
We offer counseling sessions focused on helping you respond more effectively to complex relationship situations — without pressure, judgment, or one-size-fits-all advice.
The Problem with Oversimplified Advice
Advice like “avoid toxic people” works well on social media because it’s clear, direct, and emotionally satisfying. But it can also create guilt and confusion when people find that they can’t actually follow it.
You might start asking yourself:
“What’s wrong with me?”
“Why can’t I just walk away?”
“Am I weak for staying?”
In many cases, the issue is not weakness — it’s context.
A More Workable Question
Instead of asking:
“Should I avoid this person?”
A more helpful question is:
“What is workable in this situation?”
This shifts the focus from rigid rules to practical, real-life solutions.
What You Can Do Instead
Depending on your situation, more workable options may include:
Setting clear but realistic boundaries
Limiting exposure rather than cutting off completely
Changing how you respond in difficult interactions
Building support systems outside the relationship
Gradually creating options if leaving is your long-term goal
Avoidance is sometimes the right choice — but it’s not the only choice.
A More Flexible Way to Think About Relationships
From a contextual behavioral perspective, the goal is not to follow rules perfectly, but to respond in ways that actually improve your life over time.
Some relationships require distance.
Some require boundaries.
Some require patience and strategy.
And some, eventually, may require letting go.
But the key is this:
The best choice is the one that is workable in your real-life context — not just what sounds good in theory.
Watch the Full Video
Watch the full discussion above to explore this idea in more detail and learn how to apply it to your own relationships.
If this is something you’re going through, you’re not alone.
👉👉 Book a session here to talk this through