Toxic communication habits can be tough to unlearn, especially when we don’t even realize we’re using them. The truth is, most of us were never taught how to communicate effectively. Raele Altano, a communication coach, told Time in 2024, that our earliest examples usually come from parents, family members, or community leaders during our upbringing, people who may not have always modeled the healthiest communication styles.
“We copy what our parents do, and then what our teachers and friends do,” Altano explained. “We assume that’s the standard—it definitely comes from our upbringing.”
People can show poor communication habits in a variety of ways, like constantly interrupting, dominating the conversation, or going off on long tangents that leave little space for others to speak. The good news? These habits can be unlearned once we know what to look for.
Swipe for six common toxic communication patterns, and how to break them.
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