Table of Contents
Introduction ix
1 How Did We Get Here? 1
What a Toxic Relationship Looks Like and How to Identify Toxic People
2 Block Contact if You Can 23
How to Prevent Unwanted Contact from a Toxic Person, and What to Do When You Can't
3 (For)get Closure 41
Why It's Hard to Find Resolution After a Toxic Relationship, and How to Move On Without It
4 Forgive Yourself 57
How to Let Go of Anger and Self-Blame
5 Establish Boundaries 75
How to Protect Your Interests and Put Yourself First
6 Talk to a Professional 101
How to Find and Work with a Mental Health Care Provider
7 Practice Self-Care 123
How to Make Sure Your Needs Are Met and Build Care into Your Daily Routine
8 Reconnect 141
How to Rebuild Relationships with Emotionally Healthy People
9 Grieve 159
How to Work Through Loss So You Can Heal
10 Volunteer 175
How to Reclaim Your Purpose Through Altruism
11 Prevent 191
How to Avoid Toxic Situations and Set Yourself Up for Healthy Relationships
You Will Heal 211
Acknowledgments 217
Resources 219
Glossary 225
Notes 231
Index 235