Normalizing Bad Behavior

I am originally from the U.K. but have lived in Los Angeles for several years. I have noticed that I have slowly begun to normalize bad behavior from other people. Humans are social creatures who are deeply influenced by the people around them. This means that we often take cues from others on how to behave, especially in social situations. However, not all behavior that we receive from others is positive or healthy. Many people engage in bad behavior, such as manipulation, lying, and verbal or physical aggression. Unfortunately, there is a tendency among some individuals to normalize these negative behaviors, which can have serious consequences for their mental health and relationships. In my situation, I have become so accustomed to it that it has become the norm, which is awful to think about. 

Why it is bad to normalize bad behavior that is received from other people?

First and foremost, normalizing bad behavior from others can create a toxic environment. When people become accustomed to negative behavior, they may begin to accept it as normal and even rationalize it. We’ve all been there. This can lead to a cycle of bad behavior being perpetuated and accepted, which can create an unhealthy dynamic that is difficult to break. Moreover, when people become normalized to bad behavior, they may be less likely to speak up or intervene when someone else is being mistreated. This can perpetuate a cycle of abuse or aggression that can be damaging to individuals and the broader community.

Normalizing bad behavior can hurt mental health. If an individual is consistently exposed to negative or abusive behavior, it can take a toll on their mental health. They may become anxious, depressed, or develop low self-esteem. Furthermore, if an individual is experiencing bad behavior from someone important to them, such as a parent, partner, or friend, they may be more likely to blame themselves and internalize the behavior, which can lead to long-term psychological damage. 

Additionally, normalizing bad behavior can also negatively impact relationships. When people become normalized to negative behavior, it can erode trust and create distance in relationships. For example, if a person is constantly lying to their partner, their partner may start to doubt them and feel disconnected from them. Similarly, if someone is consistently manipulating their friends, those friends may become frustrated and eventually pull away. Normalizing bad behavior can cause relationships to deteriorate, and in some cases, can even lead to their dissolution.

It is important to note that normalizing bad behavior is not the same as forgiveness. Forgiveness is an important part of any healthy relationship, but it does not mean that negative behavior should be accepted or excused. Rather, forgiveness means acknowledging the negative behavior and moving past it, while also holding the person accountable for their actions. Normalizing bad behavior, on the other hand, means accepting the negative behavior as a normal or expected part of the relationship. Therefore, it is important to recognize negative behavior for what it is and to hold people accountable for their actions. By doing so, we can create healthier, more positive relationships and communities.