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Getty Images/iStockphotoLife is too short to spend it with people who drain your energy and dim your light.
We’ve all encountered people who leave us feeling exhausted, frustrated, or simply unhappy. While it’s important to be open-minded and accept people’s differences, there are certain personality traits and behaviours that can make a relationship toxic and unfulfilling in the long run. Here are some types of people you might want to steer clear of if you’re looking for healthy, supportive, and uplifting connections.
1. The constant critic.
This person finds fault in everything you do, from your clothes to your career choices. They rarely offer constructive feedback or support; instead, their criticism is designed to belittle and undermine you. Spending time with them leaves you feeling deflated and questioning your self-worth.
2. The emotional vampire.
They thrive on drama and negativity, constantly complaining about their problems and sucking the energy out of you. They rarely offer solutions or look for the silver lining; instead, they wallow in their misery and drag you down with them. Being around them is emotionally exhausting and leaves you feeling drained.
3. The manipulator.
They are masters of disguise, using guilt, charm, or passive-aggressiveness to get what they want. They twist your words, make you doubt your own perceptions, and manipulate situations to their advantage. You often feel confused, frustrated, and unsure of yourself after interacting with them.
4. The one-upper.
No matter what you achieve or experience, they always have a better story to tell. They constantly try to outdo you and make you feel inadequate. Their competitive nature can be exhausting and create unnecessary tension in the relationship.
5. The person who never takes responsibility.
They always blame others for their problems, never owning up to their mistakes or shortcomings. They are quick to point fingers and make excuses, which makes it difficult to trust or rely on them. Being in a relationship with them can feel like a constant uphill battle.
6. The person who is always right.
They never admit they’re wrong, even when presented with evidence to the contrary. They are unwilling to consider other perspectives or learn from their mistakes. Trying to have a productive conversation with them is like talking to a brick wall.
7. The person who is constantly negative.
They always see the glass as half empty, focusing on the negative aspects of life. They complain about everything and rarely find joy in anything. Their pessimism can be contagious and drain your own enthusiasm for life.
8. The gossip.
They thrive on spreading rumours and talking behind people’s backs. They seem to derive pleasure from others’ misfortunes and create drama wherever they go. Their negativity and lack of discretion can be harmful to your reputation and well-being.
9. The attention seeker.
Everything is always about them. They constantly crave validation and admiration, often resorting to dramatic or exaggerated behaviour to get it. Their need for attention can be overwhelming and leave you feeling neglected and unimportant.
10. The person who is always late.
They have no respect for your time, consistently showing up late for appointments, meetings, or social gatherings. Their lack of punctuality is a sign of disrespect and can be frustrating and disruptive to your schedule.
11. The person who is always borrowing money.
They are constantly in financial trouble and rely on you for bailouts. They rarely pay you back, and their irresponsible behaviour can put a strain on your own finances and your relationship.
12. The person who is overly competitive.
They see everything as a competition, even simple activities like playing games or having a conversation. Their need to win at all costs can create tension and make it difficult to relax and enjoy their company.
13. The person who is always jealous.
They are insecure and constantly compare themselves to others. They feel threatened by your successes and happiness, and their jealousy can create unnecessary drama and conflict in the relationship.
14. The person who is always trying to change you.
They don’t accept you for who you are and constantly try to mould you into their ideal partner or friend. They criticise your habits, hobbies, and personality, making you feel inadequate and unloved for simply being yourself.
15. The person who is emotionally unavailable.
They are unable or unwilling to connect with you on an emotional level. They avoid intimacy, vulnerability, and deep conversations. Their emotional distance can leave you feeling lonely and unfulfilled in the relationship.
16. The person who doesn’t support your dreams.
They are dismissive of your goals and aspirations, often belittling your ambitions or discouraging you from pursuing your dreams. They don’t believe in your potential, and their lack of support can hold you back from achieving your full potential.
