Some people enrich your life whereas others drain your energy, frustrate you, and leave you questioning your self-worth.
The conversation hijacker
Some people have a way of turning every conversation into something about themselves. You tell them something happy, they top your story. You tell them something bad happened, and you end up consoling them. They ask you hardly any questions or seem interested in your life. Conversations with them go from feeling like two people to audience-and-performer.
The constant taker
Some people gladly take your assistance, attention, advice, and favors but disappear when you need them. Healthy relationships don’t need to be 50/50 every single day, but there should be some reciprocity overall. If you’re always the one putting forth the effort, you’ll eventually have to question why you’re trying so hard to keep a one-sided relationship going.
The endless critic
Criticism can be constructive, but some people try to pick apart everything you do. They’ll find fault with how you look, what you decide to do, where you work, who you love, or even the things that make you happy. Eventually, trying to be around someone like that will have you questioning yourself.
There are instances when people who care about you disagree with you, but they shouldn’t make you feel inferior just to feel superior.
The drama magnet
There’s always another fight or feud, betrayal, or crisis with this person. Initially, you feel sympathetic and want to help. But then you realize they are the common thread in most of these situations.
Having someone constantly drag you through their problems can get tiring when they don’t care to change the behavior that causes them.
The boundary pusher
You say no, they keep asking. You say something makes you uncomfortable, they laugh it off. You ask them for privacy, they don’t listen.
Someone doesn’t have to respect every boundary you establish, but they should respect sensible ones. Someone who constantly pushes your boundaries is proving that getting their way is more important than your feelings.
The jealous competitor
Friendly competition can be healthy, but some people subtly make everything a competition. You get a promotion, and they feel like reminding you of their salary. You go on vacation, and they’re compelled to tell you about somewhere better. You share good news, and they seem bothered by it. An uplifting person doesn’t have to one-up you each time something great happens.
The serial excuse-maker
We all make mistakes sometimes. But some people have excuses for everything. Nothing they do is ever their fault. It’s always their boss, their boyfriend/girlfriend, growing up poor, their bad luck, or someone else being inconsiderate.
When they apologize, it means nothing because they continue to do the same thing over and over. When you can’t blame yourself for your actions, you end up making others blame themselves for yours.
The casual liar
Trust is hard to maintain when someone frequently changes their stories, omits key facts, or tells petty lies. Fibbing about small stuff can lead to larger issues. You find yourself not knowing what to believe. You shouldn’t have to question someone or wonder which story is real all the time. When trust is gone, it can take more effort to sustain a relationship than it’s worth.
The confidence crusher
Insults can be masked as jokes, or they can be said, followed by the offender telling you that you’re too sensitive. Offenders will point out your insecurities to others, joke about how you look or say things, and then constantly remind you of past mistakes.
Teasing can be playful, but harassing someone over the same thing until they feel awful about themselves isn’t considerate. If someone makes you feel awful about yourself on a regular basis, you might want to consider distancing yourself over forgiveness.
The repeat offender
The most draining person to deal with is the person who always says they’ll change, but never actually does. You’ve heard the explanation, accepted the apology, and given them another chance, maybe even several chances. But then, once again, you find yourself having this very same conversation.
People can improve themselves, but excuses are not improvement. There comes a time when someone’s actions speak louder than their promises.
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