We all encounter different kinds of people throughout our journey in life. Some uplift us, inspire us, and help us become better versions of ourselves. Others, well, let’s just say they do the opposite.
Navigating through these interactions can be tricky, but fear not!
We’re here to talk about 12 types of people you might be better off steering clear from.
So, sit back, relax and let’s dive into this enlightening list.
You never know, you might just thank us later!
1) Energy vampires
You know those people who seem to suck the life out of you with their constant negativity and complaints?
We call them energy vampires.
No matter how positive or energized you are, after spending even a short amount of time with them, you feel drained and low. They thrive on creating drama and finding faults in everything.
Trust me, dodging these folks can do wonders for your mental health and overall well-being.
2) The perpetual victims
We’re all familiar with those who never take responsibility for their actions and always play the victim card.
No matter what happens, they always blame someone or something else for their misfortunes.
They tend to be pessimistic and refuse to take control of their life.
While it’s okay to lend a sympathetic ear once in a while, being around perpetual victims can be emotionally taxing.
Remember, you can’t help someone who doesn’t want to help themselves.
3) The overachievers
Now, this might surprise you.
Aren’t we supposed to surround ourselves with successful people?
Yes, but not with those who are overly competitive to the point of toxicity.
These individuals often measure their worth solely based on achievements and can make you feel inadequate or inferior.
They may push you into unhealthy competition or make you question your own pace and journey.
Remember, life isn’t a race, and everyone has their own path to success.
Keep your pace, stick to your lane, and avoid getting swept up in the whirlwind of overachievers.
4) The constant critic
We all need constructive criticism in our lives to grow and improve.
But then there are those who never miss an opportunity to criticize, often without any constructive intent.
They focus on finding faults and seldom acknowledge your achievements or efforts.
Being around constant critics can harm your self-esteem and discourage you from taking risks or trying new things.
It’s essential to understand the difference between constructive feedback and unnecessary criticism, and to distance yourself from those who only bring you down.
5) The gossip mongers
A little chit-chat here and there might not seem harmful, but there are those who thrive on digging up and spreading others’ secrets.
Gossip mongers not only disrespect others’ privacy but also create an environment of mistrust and negativity.
If they’re talking about others with you, chances are they’re talking about you with others.
Keep your personal life to yourself and avoid getting tangled in the web of gossip. Healthy and respectful conversations are the way to go.
6) The fair-weather friends
True friendship stands the test of time and circumstances. However, some friends are only around when times are good, disappearing at the first sign of trouble.
These fair-weather friends can leave you feeling unsupported and alone during tough times.
It’s important to surround yourself with people who stand by you through thick and thin, who celebrate your joys and help you through your sorrows.
7) The emotionally unavailable
Emotional connection is the crux of any meaningful relationship.
However, some people, due to past experiences or personal issues, might be emotionally unavailable.
They often keep their feelings guarded and have a hard time empathizing with others.
While it’s important to respect their boundaries, such relationships can be exhausting as they lack emotional depth and genuine understanding.
It’s okay to step back from such relationships and seek emotional reciprocity elsewhere. After all, your emotional well-being matters too.
8) The manipulators
Manipulation can be hard to spot, especially when it’s coming from someone you trust.
These individuals have a knack for twisting situations and making you doubt your own perceptions.
In college, I had a roommate who was a master manipulator.
He would regularly borrow my things without asking and then make it seem like I was the unreasonable one for being upset.
Remember, it’s not okay for someone to play with your emotions or make you feel guilty for standing your ground.
9) The naysayers
Ever shared your dreams with someone, only to have them immediately shoot it down?
These naysayers often lack vision and discourage others from pursuing their goals. They’ll fill your mind with doubts and fears, making you question your capabilities.
It’s crucial to remember that just because they can’t see your potential, doesn’t mean it isn’t there.
Surround yourself with positive influences who believe in your dreams as much as you do and encourage you to reach for the stars.
10) The promise breakers
Trust is a beautiful thing.
It’s the glue that holds relationships together, the foundation upon which we build our connections.
But what happens when that trust is broken?
When promises made become promises unkept?
It’s like a shattered mirror; even if you manage to piece it back together, the cracks remain.
Those who habitually break their promises can leave us feeling hurt, betrayed, and questioning our worth.
You deserve respect and reliability in your relationships.
11) One-upper Ollies
Do you have that one friend who always has to top your stories?
You climbed a hill? They climbed a mountain.
You cooked pasta for dinner? They whipped up a five-course Italian feast.
I had a friend in college who was an expert at this. It didn’t matter what the story was about – she always had a bigger, better version.
At first, it was amusing, but it started to feel like my experiences were being invalidated.
Remember, it’s okay to take a step back from people who make you feel like you’re in constant competition.
12) The self-absorbed
Last but not least, steer clear of those who only care about themselves.
These individuals often dominate conversations, making it all about their life, their achievements, their problems, with little to no interest in you or your experiences.
They lack empathy and rarely offer support or appreciation.
Remember, a meaningful relationship involves give and take.
It’s okay to distance yourself from people who don’t value your presence or take the time to understand and appreciate you.
After all, everyone deserves to be heard and valued in a relationship.
Taking a step back
In life, we encounter a multitude of personalities, each with their unique characteristics and quirks.
It’s this diversity that enriches our lives, broadens our perspectives, and challenges us to grow. However, it’s also important to recognize when certain individuals or behaviors may be detrimental to our well-being.
The types of people we’ve discussed in this article aren’t necessarily ‘bad’ people. They’re simply individuals who may exhibit certain traits or patterns of behavior that could prove harmful in the long run.
It’s crucial to remember that everyone has off days and moments when they might inadvertently match one (or more) of these descriptions.
Moreover, while it’s important to be aware of the types of people that could negatively impact your life, it’s equally important not to close yourself off entirely.
Life is full of potential connections and meaningful relationships. Don’t let a handful of negative experiences deter you from building new relationships and exploring new interactions.
After all, life is a journey best shared with others- just choose your travel companions wisely.
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