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Knowing the signs of a toxic work interaction can help you protect yourself.

Signs include a person who doesn't perspective-take and who distort things or attacks your character.

After identifying a discussion as destructive, set a boundary to protect yourself moving forward.

Working out conflict with those around you is healthy and necessary. Yet, when things escalate and the conversation turns sideways, you regret bringing anything up. Instead of getting a resolution or compromise, you are hurt, and the relationship seems damaged. Know the four signs of a discussion that is destructive and free yourself from these dreadful conversations. Then, learn what to do instead.

1. Lack of Perspective-Taking in Conversations

First, the talk is absent of perspective-taking by one or more of the people involved. Meaning, your thoughts and feelings are instantly dismissed, and the person launches into a diatribe about their opinion on the matter. You may continue to try explaining your viewpoint, but the same thing happens. The other person immediately cuts you off and takes 20 minutes talking about why they are correct. You barely get a word in edgewise. To be heard, you get louder and more animated, but it is useless. Then, this person uses your intensity against you and accuses you of having anger issues and of constantly interrupting them.

2. Intellectualization to Avoid Emotions

Second, they intellectualize. Intellectualization is an unconscious defense mechanism that protects people from having to grapple with their uncomfortable emotions, like empathy. During this........

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