Well, that's one way. I've done that to couple of people because it was easy and I really didn't want to have those people in my life anymore. So if the people in question are really toxic, going cold turkey is the only way.

But one way is to not let those toxic people influence you. If they are not dangerous. Just being people. You know, negative, gossiping, irritating, envious. Ugly inside. That kind of toxic. Let's say just vanishing from their lives is not an option. And confronting them isn't an option either. I mean, you could say to them that they are acting like idiots, but in this case that wouldn't do anything or it could make things worse. So let's say confronting them isn't an option.

One solution is that you change the way you think. I'm not saying that you should make yourself start liking them. What I'm saying is don't let them influence you. Don't let them ruin your day. Don't go with them, don't obey their rules. Don't say nice and polite things if you don't want to. But don't say bad things either. Just stay out of it. Just be quiet if you have nothing nice to say about them. Don't do what they ask and don't let them ruin your social occasions because you're both in the same place. Just nicely ignore all the bad things they are doing and learn to let go of it. Do not keep it in your head.

Or if it's hard to let go of the feelings those people make you feel, start like... kickboxing... demolition derby. :D

Dancing like nobody's watching and listening music too loud is my way of clearing my head.