8 Types of Toxic Behavior Accepted in Society

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The next time you hear someone say they can’t stand a certain person or group of people, ask them why. Chances are, they’ll have a hard time giving you a coherent answer. Why? Because in today’s world, many people have stopped thinking for themselves. Instead, they’ve become echo chambers, simply repeating what’s trendy or accepted in society without ever questioning its validity. And that’s how toxic behavior becomes the norm in our society.

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to lose sight of what's truly healthy.

Below are eight behavior patterns that, while becoming increasingly acceptable, are far from healthy.

1. Accusing your parents of all conceivable and inconceivable sins

It has become almost fashionable to blame all your troubles on your parents. Of course, not everyone had an idyllic childhood – some parents did have setbacks, whether due to addiction, neglect or other serious problems. But in most cases, our parents did the best they could with what they had. Yet today, too often, they are blamed for everything: our genes, our character, our appearance, even our financial difficulties.

But remember, raising children is not an easy task. Parents are no exception; they learned as they went along, just like the rest of us. Instead of blaming, perhaps it’s time to express gratitude for the sacrifices they made to give us the best life they could.

2. Criticism of appearance and weight

Body shaming — whether it’s weight shaming, skinny shaming, or any other form — has somehow become a socially acceptable way to “help” others. In reality, these comments only undermine our self-confidence. Why do we allow such superficial judgments to overshadow more meaningful qualities like health, character, and authenticity?

Oscar Wilde once quipped, "To love yourself is the beginning of a lifelong romance." Instead of picking on others' appearance, why not focus on cultivating a culture of self-love and acceptance? After all, beauty is about so much more than just looks.

3. Questions about money

It is alarming that it has become socially acceptable to inquire about someone’s financial situation soon after meeting them. Questions about income, employment status, or wealth have become as common as questions about the weather. But why should anyone feel obligated to discuss their financial situation with someone they barely know?

Let's stick to the old etiquette and respect other people's privacy. People should share such details only when they want to, not because society thinks it's okay to pry into other people's business.

4. Glorification of alcohol

In modern culture, alcohol has become an indispensable tool for any occasion - celebration, sadness, stress, and so on. It seems that no event is complete without a glass in hand. But let's not forget that alcohol is not a panacea. It can quickly become a crutch that leads to many more problems than it solves.

Take control of your emotions, your life. Don't let alcohol become the master of your destiny.

5. Expecting employees to be available 24/7

With the advancement of technology, many workplaces expect employees to be on-call 24/7, even though they are only paid for a fraction of that time. This expectation has become ingrained in our collective psyche, and it now seems normal to sacrifice personal time for work.

But at what cost? Time is the most valuable resource we have, but we squander it in the name of productivity.

French philosopher Simone Weil once said, "Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity." Let's redirect that attention to our loved ones, our hobbies, and ourselves — before it's too late.

6. Overwork as a badge of honor

Bragging about how busy we are has become a social norm. Overwork is now seen as a virtue, a sign of dedication. But what’s the point of all this hustle if it leaves us too tired to enjoy the life we’ve worked so hard to create?

Time spent with family, friends or just alone with your thoughts is priceless. These are the moments that truly enrich our lives, far more than any amount of overtime pay.

7. Victim mentality

We all have scars – emotional, physical, financial. It’s how we choose to deal with them that matters. Too often, people fall into the trap of a victim mentality, allowing one traumatic event to define their entire life. This kind of thinking only lowers our standards and leads to self-doubt and depression.

Instead, let us channel our inner strength, rise above the past, and look to a brighter future. Remember, as the Japanese proverb goes, "Fall seven times, get up eight times."

8. Idolizing inappropriate role models

We live in an era where celebrities and influential people are often considered the epitome of success and happiness. But are they really the best role models? Their glamorous lives may seem appealing, but they are often far from the realities we face.

Why not choose role models who reflect values ​​like kindness, resilience, and authenticity—qualities that really matter in the long run? Look for those who inspire you to be a better version of yourself, not just a more glamorous one.

This toxic behavior may be accepted by society, but that doesn’t make it right. It’s time to ask questions, think for ourselves, and make choices that align with our true values.

What do you think about this? Share your thoughts in the comments. What toxic behavior do you think is accepted in society?