8 types of people who never deserve a second chance, according to psychology
In life, we often find ourselves giving second chances. Sometimes, it’s the right call. Other times? Not so much.
According to psychology, there are certain types of people who simply don’t deserve that second chance. You might ask, “Really? Isn’t that harsh?” But trust me, it’s not about being unkind, it’s about preserving your peace.
In this article, I’ll break down the eight types of folks who you should think twice about before extending that olive branch. You might find some of these personality types surprising.
Let’s dive in.
1) Habitual liars
We’ve all told little white lies from time to time. It’s part of being human. But there’s a big difference between those occasional fibs and someone who’s a habitual liar.
Psychology tells us that habitual liars have a complex relationship with truth and reality. They often lie out of habit, even when the truth would serve them better. It’s like an automatic response for them.
Now, imagine having someone like that in your life. The constant doubt, the trust issues – it can be emotionally draining.
Giving a second chance to a habitual liar might feel like the compassionate thing to do, but psychology suggests otherwise. It’s not about holding a grudge, it’s about protecting your mental and emotional wellbeing.
2) Emotional manipulators
Emotional manipulation is a tricky beast. It’s subtle, it’s insidious, and it can leave you feeling drained, confused, and questioning your own sanity.
I remember an old friend of mine – let’s call her Jane. Jane had a knack for making everything about her. She’d twist conversations, play the victim, and guilt-trip me into doing what she wanted.
At first, I thought I was the problem. Maybe I was overreacting, or being too sensitive? But then I learned about emotional manipulation in psychology class.
That’s when it clicked. Jane was an emotional manipulator. She’d use my feelings against me to serve her own needs.
Giving Jane a second chance meant enduring more manipulation, more guilt-trips, more emotional exhaustion. It wasn’t worth it.
3) Serial cheaters
Trust is the cornerstone of any relationship. When that trust is broken repeatedly, it’s often a sign that the person doesn’t deserve a second chance. Enter the serial cheater.
Serial cheaters aren’t your one-time offenders. They’re individuals who cheat repeatedly, even after being caught and forgiven.
A study published in Archives of Sexual Behavior found that those who cheated in their first relationship were three times more likely to cheat in their next relationship compared to those who remained faithful.
4) Narcissists
Narcissism goes beyond mere self-absorption. It’s a personality disorder characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy for others, and a deep need for excessive attention and admiration.
When you’re dealing with a narcissist, it’s common to feel like you’re constantly walking on eggshells. They can be charming and charismatic one moment, then cold and dismissive the next.
The problem with giving a second chance to a narcissist is that they’re often incapable of seeing their own faults. They tend to blame others for their shortcomings, making genuine change a challenging prospect.
Think twice before offering that olive branch to a narcissist. Remember, it’s not about punishing them; it’s about protecting yourself from their potentially destructive behavior.
5) Abusers
This one hits close to home for many people and it’s one of the most painful realities to accept. Sometimes, the person you care about is also an abuser.
Abuse isn’t always physical. It can be emotional, verbal, or psychological. It’s about power and control, and it leaves deep scars that can take years to heal.
It’s heartbreaking to think that someone you care about could cause such harm. But it’s crucial to remember that abuse is never justified or excusable.
Giving a second chance to an abuser often leads to a cycle of repeated abuse. It’s not a matter of if they’ll do it again, but when.
If you’ve encountered an abuser in your life, remember, you deserve respect, kindness, and love. Don’t compromise your well-being for someone unwilling or unable to offer these fundamental human decencies.
6) Gaslighters
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where a person makes you doubt your own memories, perception, or sanity. It’s a particularly insidious form of emotional abuse.
I’ll never forget when I first encountered gaslighting. An old partner of mine had a knack for twisting things around, making me question my own thoughts and feelings. I’d find myself apologizing for things I hadn’t even done.
It was a confusing, frustrating time – like living in a mental fog. It took me a while to recognize what was happening, but when I did, I knew I couldn’t give this person another chance.
If you’re dealing with a gaslighter, remember: you’re not crazy. Your feelings are valid. Giving a second chance to a gaslighter often means stepping back into that mental fog. You deserve clarity and respect – don’t settle for less.
7) Serial disappointers
We all make promises and sometimes, life gets in the way and we can’t keep them. But there’s a difference between someone who occasionally lets you down and someone who consistently fails to meet commitments.
Serial disappointers are individuals who frequently make promises they don’t keep. They might have good intentions, but their actions rarely match their words.
The problem with giving a second chance to a serial disappoiner is that it often leads to more disappointment. They might promise to change, but their track record suggests otherwise.
Think carefully before giving a second chance to a serial disappointer. Remember, actions speak louder than words. Trust those who show you they’re reliable, not just those who promise to be.
8) Chronic negativity spreaders
Positivity is a powerful thing. It can lift us up, inspire us, and give us the strength to face life’s challenges. On the flip side, chronic negativity can bring us down, drain our energy, and rob us of our joy.
Chronic negativity spreaders are individuals who always see the glass as half empty. They complain constantly, criticize incessantly, and seem to thrive on spreading doom and gloom.
The most important thing to understand about chronic negativity spreaders is that their outlook rarely changes. Giving them a second chance often means inviting more negativity into your life.
You have the right to surround yourself with positivity. Choose the people in your life carefully. Your happiness may depend on it.
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