If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a toxic relationship or friendship, you know it can be draining.

According to psychology, there are 8 types of people who simply aren’t worth your energy. They can suck the joy out of your life and leave you feeling exhausted and unappreciated.

Remember, this isn’t about judging people. It’s about protecting your well-being.

In this article, we’ll explore these types of people and give you some tips on how to handle these situations. Because life is too short to spend it with the wrong crowd.

1) The perpetual victim

This is the type of person who always seems to have something going wrong in their life.

They’re always the victim, never the perpetrator or even the bystander. Every story they tell puts them in a position of being wronged, with no responsibility for their circumstances.

For example, if they’re always late, it’s never because they didn’t manage their time well. Instead, it’s because traffic was terrible, their alarm didn’t go off, or their dog ate their homework. They constantly shift the blame to external factors and never take ownership of their actions.

This kind of behavior can be draining because it often leads to a one-sided relationship where you’re constantly providing support without any reciprocity. They may even make you feel guilty for not being there for them enough, implicating you in their victim narrative.

2) The overly positive person

You might be surprised to find this type of person on the list. After all, who doesn’t appreciate positivity? However, a person who is relentlessly positive, refusing to acknowledge any negativity or difficulties, can be just as draining as someone who is always negative.

This is not to say that positivity is bad. Optimism and a positive outlook are generally good for our mental health. But it’s also important to acknowledge and cope with negative emotions and struggles in life.

People who are excessively positive may dismiss your problems or struggles, making you feel unheard or invalidated.

For instance, if you’re going through a tough time, they might simply tell you to “look on the bright side” or “just stay positive,” which though well-intentioned, can feel dismissive. It’s crucial that we allow ourselves and others the space to experience a full range of emotions.

3) The serial complainer

We all know someone who seems to have a permanent cloud hanging over their head. No matter the situation, they find something to complain about. It’s too hot, it’s too cold, the service is slow, the food is bland – the list goes on.

The problem with being around chronic complainers is that negativity can be contagious.

According to research, our brains are naturally wired to pay more attention to negative information, a phenomenon known as the negativity bias. Spending a lot of time around someone who is always complaining can therefore impact our own mood and perceptions.

In essence, if you’re constantly exposed to someone moaning about everything under the sun, you might start seeing the world through a similar lens of negativity. It can affect your mood, your energy levels and even your mental health.

It’s worth considering whether your relationship with a serial complainer is doing more harm than good. Taking care of your own well-being sometimes means setting boundaries with those who bring constant negativity into your life.

4) The overly dependent individual

We all need help and support from time to time. It’s part of being human. But when someone becomes overly reliant on you for their emotional, financial, or physical needs, it can become a burden.

These individuals may struggle with self-confidence or have experienced situations that made them feel helpless or out of control. As a result, they lean heavily on others, often to the point where it can feel suffocating.

Being there for someone is a beautiful thing, but it’s important to recognize when it’s becoming unhealthy. A balanced relationship shouldn’t leave you feeling drained or obliged to constantly support the other person at the expense of your own well-being.

5) The constant critic

Ever had a friend or family member who always seems to find something wrong with what you do? From your fashion choices to your career decisions, they always have something critical to say. Constructive criticism can be helpful, but when it’s non-stop and unwarranted, it can wear you down.

Often, these individuals will disguise their criticism as concern or advice, making it seem like they’re just trying to help. But over time, this constant critique can chip away at your self-esteem and make you second-guess your decisions.

It’s important to remember that everyone has their own paths and makes different choices.

What may be right for one person might not be right for another. Surrounding yourself with people who respect your decisions and support you, rather than constantly criticizing, can make a world of difference in your confidence and overall happiness.

6) The one-uppers

We’ve all crossed paths with a one-upper at some point. You know who I’m talking about – that friend or co-worker who always has to top your story or achievement.

If you’ve been on a great vacation, they’ve been on a better one. If you’re proud of a project you’ve completed, they’ve done something bigger and better.

I remember once sharing about a weekend hiking trip I had taken, feeling quite proud of reaching the summit of a particularly challenging trail. Before I could even finish my story, a colleague quickly interjected with tales of his month-long trek through the Himalayas.

While it’s great to celebrate achievements, constantly trying to outdo others can be exhausting and deflating for those on the receiving end. It diminishes the joy and pride we feel in our personal accomplishments.

7) The drama magnets

Some people seem to attract drama like a moth to a flame. There’s always some crisis, some argument, some scandal. And while a little excitement can certainly spice up life, constant drama can also create unnecessary stress and chaos.

These individuals often thrive on the attention and excitement that comes with drama. But for those around them, it can feel like being stuck on a roller coaster that never stops. You’re constantly being drawn into conflicts and crises that aren’t your own.

Life is full enough of challenges without adding unnecessary drama to the mix. If you find yourself constantly being pulled into someone else’s turmoil, it might be time to step back and ask yourself if this relationship is really serving you or if it’s just draining your energy and peace of mind.

You deserve relationships that bring you joy, support, and tranquility, not constant upheaval.

8) The takers

In any relationship, there’s a give and take. But when the scales tip heavily to one side, and you find yourself constantly giving without receiving, that’s when you’re dealing with a taker.

Takers are people who primarily look out for themselves and their interests. They’re great at taking whatever they can get from others – be it time, resources, or emotional energy – but they rarely reciprocate.

The most important thing to remember is that relationships should be about balance. It’s about mutual respect, understanding, and support. If you’re constantly feeling drained or taken advantage of, it’s a sign that something needs to change.

Remember, your time and energy are valuable. You deserve to be in relationships where there’s mutual care and contribution. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries or walk away if a relationship is more draining than fulfilling.

Conclusion

Understanding these types of people isn’t about labeling or judging—it’s about recognizing the patterns that can drain your energy and time.

Time and energy dedicated to nurturing positive, reciprocal relationships is never wasted.

Being wise means understanding your worth and not allowing others to undervalue it. It’s about knowing when to draw boundaries and when to walk away.

Here’s to cultivating relationships that uplift, inspire, and respect you.