Some people bring energy into our lives, while others unintentionally drain it.
You want to surround yourself with people who are positive, ambitious, and who know what they want in life. However, these people are either extremely unhappy, lack direction, or both. Either way, their decision to tread water instead of ever moving forward is theirs — you don’t have to be dragged down by it.
1. The “I’ll do it someday” dreamer
We all know this one. They have big dreams but zero follow-through. Every time you meet, they’re talking about that book they’ll write or that business they’ll start “someday.” It can be inspiring at first, but after a while, you realise that “someday” never comes. When you’re around this kind of energy, it’s easy to get caught up in ideas instead of action. Your goals deserve a little more grounding, and sometimes, that means surrounding yourself with doers, not just dreamers.
2. The “life is hard” complainer
Everyone has a rough day (or week) now and then, but this person lives there. Any time you chat, their stories are laced with hardship, as though the world is perpetually stacked against them. While empathy is important, too much exposure to constant negativity can drain you. You can be a good friend without sinking into their perspective; sometimes, it’s okay to love these people from a distance for your own emotional health.
3. The “why even try?” cynic
At first, their sarcasm and dry humour can seem entertaining. But with time, you start noticing they bring a pessimistic spin to everything. They’re the ones who shrug off your excitement with a “Yeah, good luck with that” or “That’s never going to work.” While scepticism can be healthy, constant cynicism can be a heavy weight on your enthusiasm. To protect your spark, sometimes it’s best to spend less time around those who seem perpetually unimpressed with life.
4. The “I’m just being honest” critic
Constructive feedback? Sure. But some people take “honesty” as an excuse to pick at everything. They’ll say they’re helping, but you might leave conversations feeling smaller. It’s as if they have a special skill for finding flaws you didn’t even know existed. Boundaries are important with these people, especially if you’re working on building your own confidence. Remember, honesty doesn’t always have to be harsh, and you deserve a little kindness in your feedback.
5. The “you won’t believe what happened” drama magnet
This person is always in the middle of some crisis, big or small. They tend to overshare, calling you up whenever there’s the tiniest bit of drama. After a while, it becomes clear they thrive on the chaos, as if life wouldn’t feel real without it. While it’s okay to listen to friends vent, constant drama can leave you emotionally fried. Sometimes, you need your own calm space, away from those who bring a storm everywhere they go.
6. The “remember when…” nostalgia lover
This person is stuck in the past, reminiscing about the “good old days” as if life stopped back then. Every conversation circles back to old stories, making you feel like moving forward isn’t an option. While it’s nice to look back sometimes, it’s also important to grow and embrace what’s ahead. Spending too much time with someone rooted in the past can make your present feel stagnant. Surround yourself with people who look forward, too.
7. The “I’ll just watch” bystander
They never make plans, decisions, or take any real action—they’re just along for the ride. At first, it’s nice to have someone go-with-the-flow, but it gets exhausting when they lean on other people for every step. Relationships should feel like a two-way street. If they’re always “just watching,” you’ll find yourself pulling all the weight, and that’s not fair to you.
8. The “one-up” competitor
Ever share an accomplishment, and this person jumps in with something they did that’s “even better”? It’s as if every success you have becomes a challenge for them to top. They’re always subtly (or not so subtly) competing with you. Over time, this can make your achievements feel smaller than they are. Remember, your life isn’t a competition, and the right friends will celebrate with you, not against you.
9. The “I’m always right” expert
No matter the topic, they know best. Any conversation becomes a lecture, with them playing the authority on everything from relationships to career moves. They rarely listen because they’re too busy talking. It’s tiring, and it can make you doubt yourself. Sometimes, you just need people who aren’t constantly trying to “educate” you, especially when you’re just looking for a casual chat.
10. The “eternal victim”
Life never seems fair to this person. They’re always wronged by other people, let down by the universe, or just generally unlucky. But here’s the thing: they never take responsibility or try to change their situation. Over time, their lack of accountability can feel frustrating. A little distance here can help you maintain your own sense of resilience and remind you that everyone has a role in shaping their own life.
11. The “tell me everything” gossip
These people live for the latest scoop and want to know every detail of your life, only to share it with other people later. While it might be entertaining at first, you quickly learn that anything you say can become fodder for their stories. To protect your privacy and peace, it’s best to keep things surface-level with chronic gossipers.
12. The “always in crisis” flake
They make plans, but something always seems to come up at the last minute—a crisis, a forgotten obligation, or some mysterious excuse. Over time, it gets exhausting and disappointing, making it hard to rely on them. While life can be unpredictable, friendship works best when there’s consistency, and sometimes it’s okay to set boundaries around reliability.
13. The “overly needy” friend
It’s great to be there for friends, but some people take it too far. They need constant attention, support, or validation, as if they’re leaning on you for all their emotional needs. While empathy is important, you also have to protect your own well-being. It’s okay to recognise when a friendship is becoming a little too one-sided.
14. The “look how much I have” show-off
This person makes a habit of showing off, whether it’s the latest gadget, their job title, or their luxury holiday. It’s all about appearances, and after a while, it can feel like they’re less interested in connection and more interested in impressing everyone. Friendship should feel equal, not like a constant reminder of what they have or do that you don’t.
15. The “nothing’s good enough” perfectionist
This person is never satisfied, whether it’s with their own life or yours. They pick at every little detail, chasing perfection to the point where it feels like nothing’s ever truly okay. Spending time with someone who’s always raising the bar can make you feel like you’re falling short. Give yourself permission to find friends who appreciate life’s messiness and don’t need everything to be perfect.
