Navigating relationships can be tricky, especially when certain people seem to bring more harm than good.

Psychology suggests that there are specific types of individuals that can be particularly damaging to your well-being, and it’s not always easy to recognize them.

These are the seven types of people you should consider keeping at arm’s length, according to psychology.

Let me share with you some insights into these toxic personas, so you can be aware and protect your peace.

1) The constant critic

We all have people in our lives who are quick to point out our faults. Constructive criticism can be helpful, but there’s a fine line between offering helpful feedback and tearing someone down.

The constant critic is a type of person who rarely has something positive to say about others. They seem to thrive on highlighting your mistakes and bringing you down.

Psychology suggests that these individuals may be projecting their insecurities onto you. Their criticism often says more about them than it does about you.

Allowing a constant critic to remain in your life can be harmful to your self-esteem and overall mental health. Be aware of such personalities and consider setting boundaries to protect yourself.

2) The energy vampire

Have you ever spent time with someone and left feeling completely drained? I’ve been there too.

It happened to me in my freshman year of college. I had a friend who would always unload her problems on me. It was always about her drama, her issues, and her challenges. She never seemed interested in my life or how I was doing.

Over time, I began to dread our conversations because they were so one-sided and left me feeling exhausted. That’s when I realized that she was an energy vampire.

Energy vampires are the types of people who suck the energy out of you. They’re often negative and self-centered, turning every conversation into a monologue about their problems.

Psychologists advise us to be wary of these individuals as they can affect our mental health and emotional well-being. It’s crucial to set boundaries and ensure that the relationships in your life are reciprocal, not just one-sided.

3) The perpetual victim

In psychology, there’s a concept known as the victim mentality. This is a type of cognitive bias where a person tends to recognize themselves as a victim of the negative actions of others, even in the absence of clear evidence.

Perpetual victims are individuals who consistently see themselves as victims, regardless of their circumstances. They refuse to take responsibility for their actions and blame others for their misfortunes.

While empathy is a critical component of any relationship, constantly catering to someone’s perceived victimhood can be draining and unproductive. It’s essential to distinguish between those genuinely in need of support and those who use victimhood as a manipulation tool.

Helping someone is one thing, but being taken advantage of is another. Know the difference.

4) The false friend

A false friend is someone who pretends to be your friend but is, in reality, looking out only for their interests. They’re often there in the good times but vanish when things get tough.

These individuals might seem friendly and supportive on the surface, but they often have underlying motives. They may be after your resources, connections, or simply enjoy the sense of control they gain from manipulating others.

Psychologists suggest that these relationships lack depth and genuine connection, leading to a sense of betrayal and hurt.

It’s crucial to identify these false friends early on and distance yourself to maintain a healthy social circle. Genuine friendships should be built on mutual respect, honesty, and support.

5) The habitual liar

When I was younger, I had a close friend who would consistently tell small lies. At first, they seemed insignificant and harmless. But over time, these lies grew larger and started affecting our friendship.

This friend became a habitual liar, someone who lied out of habit. It got to a point where I questioned everything they said, and trust was completely eroded.

Habitual liars often lie to make themselves look better or to control the situation. However, their lies can create an environment of mistrust and suspicion.

It’s essential to have honesty as a foundation in any relationship. While everyone may tell a white lie occasionally, habitual lying can be toxic and damaging. Don’t let such individuals steal your peace of mind.

6) The eternal pessimist

We all have down days where we see the glass as half empty rather than half full. But the eternal pessimist is someone who consistently focuses on the negative side of things.

These individuals find problems in every solution and cast a shadow of negativity wherever they go. They can drain your energy, dampen your mood, and stifle your optimism.

Psychology tells us that negativity can be contagious. Constant exposure to such pessimism can lead you to adopt a similar negative mindset.

It’s essential to surround yourself with positive influences that encourage you to see the brighter side of life. Life is too short to be constantly clouded by negativity.

7) The manipulator

Manipulators are individuals who use others for their own benefit. They often employ tactics such as guilt-tripping, gaslighting, and playing the victim to get what they want.

These individuals can be incredibly damaging to your mental health and well-being. Maintaining a relationship with a manipulator often results in feelings of confusion, guilt, and self-doubt.

Psychologists advise that recognizing signs of manipulation early on is vital. It’s crucial to assert your boundaries and not let manipulators violate them. Remember, you are not obligated to tolerate behavior that makes you uncomfortable or harms you in any way.