I love this post and topic! I think it speaks to so many. I think the hardest relationships to step away from are family. It is not always possible to salvage a relationship with family that tears you down on a daily basis. I don't live by the "blood is thicker than water" mentality - if someone (friend or family) is intentionally putting you down, and/or intentionally doing things to hurt you - you let them go. Life is too short to spend time with people that don't love and respect you.

I have stepped away from relationships with friends/family that were unhealthy because I needed to. You can try to fix the issues you have by talking to them, but if they aren't willing to do their part to listen - then that is that. There is nothing else that can be done. For me, the options are simple - work it out if you can, and if you can't, walk away. I have wasted too many years being kind to people that only tore me down in return.

Negativity is like a disease - spending time around negative people usually adds negativity to your day, and rubs some of that negativity off on you. That negativity then travels with you and can affect those that are positive in your life. The best way to keep the negativity from "spreading" is to stay away from it. You can hope that overtime the negative person will reflect on their issues and will "heal", but in the mean time, it is good to just stay away.