BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Friendships can be a source of joy and comfort, but unfortunately, even the most intimate connections can become toxic. Clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience Dr. Monica Vermani explains that a toxic person is “someone who is a negative force in our lives. They often cause conflicts, make unreasonable demands, or place unrealistic expectations on your time and energy.” When they don’t get what they want, such people may manipulate others, disregard boundaries, and even become emotionally or physically abusive.  Those trying to navigate a friendship that is more exhausting than uplifting must recognize when it’s time to set boundaries. Here are the signs of a toxic friendship and how to heal the relationship—or leave if necessary. Recognizing toxic traits in friends Toxic qualities might range from the obvious to more subtle behaviors. Here are some red flags to look out for: – Inconsistency: While everyone experiences ups and downs, toxic friends can take them to the extreme. “Their behavior is often erratic and unpredictable,” says licensed psychotherapist specializing in familial and intergenerational trauma, and attachment wounding, Dr. Dana Balan. This inconsistency can leave you feeling as if you’re “walking on eggshells,” unsure of their reactions or reliability. – Keeping score: Friends should encourage one another. In contrast, a toxic friend may continuously remind you of past mistakes or debts. According to Vermani, this indicates that they see relationships as transactional, and they may be holding things over you to keep control. – Jealousy: While some competitiveness among friends is natural and even motivational in some cases, chronic jealousy can be destructive. Balan explains, “Good friends celebrate each other’s successes. If you feel like you have to hide your wins or apologize for your achievements, that’s a red flag.” – Passive-aggressiveness: If your friend habitually ignores you, employs sarcasm, or expresses animosity in subtle ways, Vermani warns that these actions are manipulative and can lead to a toxic dynamic. – It’s always about them: Healthy friendships are reciprocal, with both parties feeling appreciated. However, if your friend consistently dominates the conversation or only contacts you when they need something, it may indicate a lack of balance in the relationship. – Lack of accountability: When a problem arises, a toxic friend refuses to accept blame. Vermani emphasizes: “We need to take responsibility for our own emotions and not let others manipulate us into feeling guilty for theirs.” – Boundary violations: Healthy boundaries are essential in all relationships. Toxic friends may view limits as rejection, resulting in invasive or demanding behavior. Is it possible to repair toxic friendships? While some relationships can be healed, others may be irreparable. As Vermani notes, “Not all relationships are meant to last a lifetime. We are here to learn and grow from one another.” If a friendship is causing long-term pain, it may be necessary to realize that it is time to part ways. For those who believe the friendship is worth keeping, here are five measures to begin positive change. 1. Build awareness The first step is to recognize the toxicity. Recognize the toxic behaviors and patterns in your friendship. Vermani clarifies: “Once we recognize what we want to change, we can begin to address the underlying issues of an unhealthy and non-supportive pattern of behaviors and choices.” 2. Take responsibility for your role While it is tempting to focus on the shortcomings of others, true growth begins with self-awareness. Vermani encourages people to “own up to their part” in the relationship. By focusing on personal development, you can inspire change in others and promote a healthier dynamic. 3. Have an honest and compassionate conversation Start an honest and open conversation. Vermani emphasizes that this should not become a blame game. “Besides conveying your concerns, it is important to listen to the other person’s feelings, thoughts, and perspective,” she says. Active listening can help rebuild trust and mutual understanding, laying the groundwork for a stronger relationship. 4. Establish clear boundaries Toxic friends frequently overstep boundaries, so it’s critical to set and explain clear limitations. Balan stresses, “Boundaries help protect your emotional well-being and promote respect within the relationship.” Tell your friend what is and isn’t appropriate conduct, and be strong about enforcing these boundaries. 5. Keep track of the relationship’s progress Healing a toxic friendship takes time, and progress isn’t always straightforward. Vermani encourages individuals to be conscious of previous patterns recurring. “If the relationship does not improve over time and toxic behaviors persist, have compassion for yourself,” her advice states. If the situation continues to be harmful, it is critical to give yourself permission to move away. Friendship, like all relationships, involves reciprocal respect and effort. Toxic connections can be emotionally draining, but with the appropriate attitude, they can sometimes be mended.  However, if the toxicity persists despite efforts to change the dynamic, you should prioritize your own well-being. Not every friendship lasts forever, and ending an unhealthy relationship may be the best option. Remember, the goal is to build relationships that inspire, encourage, and allow you to thrive.The post Do you have a toxic friend? A therapist’s advice on how to set boundaries  first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a law prohibiting all plastic shopping bags at grocery store checkouts, making the state the first to impose such broad regulations. The new law, which goes into force in 2026, eliminates the choice of plastic bags completely. Customers who do not bring their own reusable bags will only be able to choose paper bags. California has long been at the forefront of efforts to reduce plastic waste. In 2014, the state outlawed thin, single-use plastic bags, and since then buyers have been able to purchase larger, reusable plastic bags for a small price. However, these bags, which are designed to be recycled or reused, have not met their environmental objectives. A state analysis found that per-person plastic bag trash climbed from 8 pounds in 2004 to 11 pounds in 2021, underscoring the inadequacies of the previous ban. “We are literally choking our planet with plastic waste,” said State Senator Catherine Blakespear, a prominent proponent of the new law. Blakespear, an Encinitas Democrat, stressed that earlier legislation, despite its intended goals, failed to cut plastic consumption successfully. A step toward reducing pollution The current prohibition, adopted by state legislators in September, closes the loopholes in the previous legislation by forbidding all plastic bags, regardless of thickness. Environmental organizations applauded the new bill for finally aligning California’s policies with the original objective of minimizing plastic pollution. “Plastic bags create pollution in our environment and break into microplastics that contaminate our drinking water and threaten our health,” said Jenn Engstrom, director of the California Public Interest Research Group. Engstrom believes the new law fulfills the intent of the 2014 ban by eliminating plastic from grocery checkouts entirely. Oceana, an environmental charity, also praised the action. “This law solidifies California as a leader in tackling the global plastic pollution crisis,” said Christy Leavitt, Oceana’s plastics campaign director. The organization emphasized how this restriction will safeguard California’s shoreline and marine life from the negative consequences of plastic garbage. California’s role in national plastic reform California isn’t alone in its attempts to reduce plastic pollution. Currently, 12 states, including California, have some type of statewide plastic bag ban, while hundreds of communities in 28 states have passed municipal restrictions. However, California’s entire ban on plastic bags is one of the most aggressive measures adopted by any US state. The bill is especially significant since California is the most populated state in the country, and the environmental consequences could be far-reaching. In reality, it builds on a legacy of progressive environmental policy—as mayor of San Francisco, Governor Newsom approved the nation’s first plastic bag ban in 2007. What happens next? With the new regulation going into force in 2026, grocery businesses will have enough time to phase out their plastic bag inventory and convert completely to paper or reusable alternatives. Supporters of the ordinance hope that other states will follow suit and implement stronger measures to reduce plastic trash.  As the debate over plastic pollution heats up, there is increasing pressure on businesses and consumers to abandon plastic. The California Public Interest Research Group emphasized that banning plastic bags is only one step toward addressing the larger issue of single-use plastics, which continue to harm ecosystems and endanger human health. The new plastic bag ban is an important development in California’s attempts to lessen its environmental impact and battle plastic waste. By going beyond partial steps and completely abolishing plastic supermarket bags, the state is taking serious action to conserve its natural resources. The post California imposes a complete ban on plastic shopping bags at grocery stores first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Scientists have found a way to reprogram their skin cells into those that can become any cell type.

This could be hints of a new particle, or new physics.

With one of these beauties you could hack the planet.

Alex Jones ' Infowars media platform and its assets will be sold off piece by piece in auctions this fall to help pay the more than $1 billion he owes relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, under an order expected to be approved by a federal judge.

Twenty Republican attorneys general have launched an investigation into the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), alleging the organization misled the public by claiming that puberty blockers used in transgender treatments are "reversible," Breitbart reported.

Officials from President Joe Biden's administration are monitoring labor talks but not trying to broker a labor deal to avert an Oct. 1 strike at U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports that handle roughly half of the country's ocean imports, administration officials said on Tuesday.

Univision announced Tuesday that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris have agreed to separate town halls next month on the American Spanish-language television network.