They Try to Steal Your Joy

One of the most subtle but devastating things someone with toxic traits will do is slowly take away everything that brings you joy.

At first, they seem supportive.

They might compliment your passions.

They might pretend to be proud of your achievements.

They might even encourage you to pursue what you love.

But only until you begin to shine.

Because when you start coming alive

When you laugh more

When you feel light again

When your heart begins to open

They begin to change

Suddenly your hobbies are a waste of time

Your job becomes a threat

Your friendships make them insecure

Your healing makes them uncomfortable

Your happiness becomes something they resent

And they will never say it outright

They will use sarcasm

Passive-aggressive comments

Silent treatment

Guilt

Criticism dressed up as concern

They will make you feel selfish for choosing joy

They will make you question if your peace is hurting them

They will make you think that taking care of yourself is harming the relationship

They want your world to revolve around them

Because if you are happy without them

You are no longer under their control

So you slowly begin to dim your light

You shrink your life to keep the peace

You give up the things that made you feel alive

Not because you wanted to

But because you were made to feel guilty for having a life beyond their reach

This is not love

This is control

This is sabotage

Anyone who tries to take away the things that make you more you is not protecting the relationship

They are protecting their power over you

A loving person supports what lights you up

A loving person feels joy when you feel joy

A loving person wants to see you alive and whole and fulfilled

If someone cannot handle your happiness

They are not meant to walk your healing journey with you

You are allowed to reclaim your joy

You are allowed to return to the things that bring you peace

You are allowed to feel alive again

Without guilt

Without apology

And if they try to stop you

Let that be the sign you needed to set yourself free

Your happiness is not a threat

It is a blessing

And you never need to hide it to keep someone else comfortable

Let joy return

Let peace stay

Let Allah guide you back to yourself

Ameen