7 types of people you need to leave behind (for your own good)

We all have people in our lives who leave an indelible mark on our journey, shaping us into who we are.

But not all these influences are positive.

Some people do more harm than good, leaving us drained emotionally, mentally, or even physically.

Have you ever looked around and wondered if the company you keep is helping you grow or holding you back? Are you unsure whether your relationships are healthy or toxic?

I’ve compiled a list of 7 types of people you might need to leave behind for your own wellbeing.

If these personas sound familiar, it could be time to reassess your circle and make some much-needed changes.

1. The Constant Critic

We all have that one person in our lives who has an uncanny knack for pointing out our flaws, often under the guise of ‘constructive criticism’.

However, if their words leave you feeling deflated rather than inspired to improve, it’s a clear red flag.

This isn’t about rejecting feedback. Constructive criticism is a crucial part of growth and everyone has room for improvement.

But there’s a difference between someone who offers balanced feedback and someone who constantly zeroes in on your shortcomings, rarely acknowledging your strengths or achievements.

If you find yourself dreading interactions with this person or feeling constantly on edge around them, it’s time to reconsider their place in your life.

Surrounding yourself with people who believe in you and lift you up, rather than drag you down with incessant negativity, can have a profound impact on your self-esteem and overall happiness.

2. The Emotional Vampire

Some people have a remarkable ability to drain the life out of a room, and possibly even out of you.

They constantly demand attention, spew negativity, or turn every conversation into a sob story about their life.

Their emotional needs always seem to eclipse yours, leaving you feeling exhausted and emotionally depleted.

Remember, it’s not your responsibility to fix anyone or to be their emotional crutch.

It’s important to be there for friends in times of need, but when it becomes a one-sided emotional drain, it’s damaging for your own mental health.

If you find yourself feeling mentally and emotionally exhausted after interacting with this person, it might be time to re-evaluate the relationship.

You need people in your life who can offer mutual support and understanding, not just take it.

3. The Fair-Weather Friend

In my own life, I’ve encountered individuals who seemed to be there during the good times but were mysteriously absent during the more challenging periods.

This type of person is often referred to as a ‘fair-weather friend’. They’re around when the sun is shining, when you’re on top of the world, but vanish at the first sign of a storm.

I recall a time when I achieved some success at my job and there was one person who was always there to join in the celebration, basking in the joy of my victories.

However, when I went through a difficult period, dealing with personal issues and career setbacks, this same person was conspicuously absent.

Their support was conditional, dependent on my own ‘weather’.

If you notice someone in your life who only shows up for the highs and disappears during the lows, it’s time to question whether they truly value your friendship or just the benefits that come with it.

True friends are there for you through thick and thin, in sunshine and in storms.

4. The Perpetual Victim

This individual always seems to be at the receiving end of life’s hardships, with a knack for playing the victim in every situation.

They refuse to take responsibility for their actions and are quick to blame others or circumstances for their misfortunes.

In 1964, psychologist Julian Rotter developed the concept of “locus of control”.

People with an external locus of control, he suggested, believe that outside forces determine their fate.

This is often the mindset of the perpetual victim. They believe they’re powerless against life’s tides and fail to see how their own actions contribute to their situation.

If you constantly find yourself having to shoulder the blame or listen to endless tales of woe from this person, it might be time to re-evaluate your relationship.

It’s crucial to surround yourself with people who take accountability for their actions and inspire you to do the same.

5. The One-Sided Conversationalist

I once had a friend who could talk for hours about their life, their problems, their achievements, but the moment the conversation would steer towards me, they would suddenly become distracted or uninterested.

This person is what I like to call a ‘one-sided conversationalist’.

In one instance, I remember excitedly sharing news about a promotion I had received at work, only for them to quickly steer the conversation back to themselves and their own experiences.

It was as if my joys and sorrows were merely footnotes in our discussions.

If you have someone in your life who monopolizes every conversation and shows little interest in your thoughts or feelings, it might be time to reconsider the dynamic of the relationship.

A true friendship or relationship should encompass mutual respect and interest in each other’s lives.

6. The Green-Eyed Monster

Jealousy is a human emotion, and we all feel it from time to time.

However, there’s a difference between occasional envy and constant resentment.

I’m talking about the person who always seems unhappy with your success, the one who can’t seem to be genuinely happy for you because they’re too busy comparing their life to yours.

This type of person may throw subtle jabs or try to downplay your achievements, creating an atmosphere of competition rather than support.

Over time, this can take a toll on your self-esteem and create unnecessary stress.

If you notice a consistent pattern of jealousy and resentment from someone in your life, it might be time to distance yourself.

You deserve to be surrounded by people who celebrate your triumphs and encourage your growth, not those who view your success as their failure.

7. The Habitual Liar

Trust is the bedrock of any relationship, whether it’s a friendship or a romantic partnership.

The habitual liar is the person who consistently breaks this trust by bending or completely disregarding the truth.

It could start with minor fibs that seem insignificant but can soon escalate to more serious deceptions that can shatter trust completely.

Living in constant doubt of someone’s truthfulness can be mentally exhausting and emotionally damaging.

If you find yourself frequently questioning the honesty of someone in your life, it’s time to reconsider their place in it.

Honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable, is a cornerstone of healthy relationships. Surround yourself with people who value truth and authenticity as much as you do.