01/22/2026
When someone snaps, shuts down, lies, stonewalls, gets controlling, or goes cold, it can be tempting to label them as “just toxic” and stop there. And to be clear.... harmful behavior isn’t okay. Accountability is necessary. Impact matters. Repair matters. Boundaries matter.
But if the emotional need underneath the behavior stays unmet, the behavior usually keeps showing up, or the unmet need leaks out in another form.
A grounded way to hold both truth and accountability looks like this:
1. Name the behavior + impact: “I raised my voice. That felt scary and disrespectful.”
2. Own it and repair: “That’s on me. I’m sorry. I want to do this differently.”
3. Find the need and ask for it directly: “Underneath, I was scared I didn’t matter. Can we slow down and help me feel like you’re with me?”