How to Set Boundaries with Classmates Who Display Toxic Behavior
Dealing with toxic classmates can be draining, but setting healthy boundaries allows you to protect your energy and well-being while maintaining a neutral and respectful stance. You don’t need to hate or hold grudges you just need a strategy to navigate these situations effectively. Here’s how I approach it. 1. Recognize Toxic Behavior Before setting boundaries, identify the behaviors that affect you negatively, such as: Dismissing your opinions or contributions Celebrating others’ failures or gossiping Creating unnecessary competition or tension Once you’re aware, you can approach these situations with clarity and confidence. 2. Set Boundaries Assertively Boundaries don’t have to be confrontational. Here are polite but firm ways to communicate them: A. In Group Work Redirect Conversations: If someone undermines you, calmly redirect the focus to the task. Example: “Let’s stay on track and focus on the assignment. My suggestion was…” Encourage Collaboration: Address exclusion or domina...