Not all relationships help us grow.

Some actually hold us back, keeping us stuck in the same patterns, doubts, and limitations—sometimes, we don’t even realize it’s happening!

The people we surround ourselves with have a huge impact on our mindset, confidence, and personal growth.

Some relationships lift us up, while others drain our energy or keep us from becoming the best version of ourselves.

If you’re feeling stuck or struggling to move forward, it might be time to take a closer look at the connections in your life.

Here are seven types of relationships that could be holding you back from genuine personal growth:

1) The constant critic

Some people think they’re helping by pointing out every flaw, mistake, or shortcoming.

However, constant criticism—especially when it’s not constructive—can wear you down over time.

Sure, honest feedback is important for growth.

But if someone in your life only ever focuses on what you’re doing wrong, it can chip away at your confidence and keep you from taking risks or trying new things.

Personal growth thrives on encouragement and support.

If you’re surrounded by someone who always finds fault but never lifts you up, it might be time to set some boundaries—or even distance yourself altogether.

2) The energy drainer

I used to have a friend who would call me almost every day to vent about their problems.

At first, I didn’t mind—I wanted to be there for them.

But, over time, I realized our entire friendship revolved around their struggles, and I was always the one offering support while getting nothing in return.

After every conversation, I felt emotionally drained. Instead of feeling inspired or uplifted, I was exhausted.

The worst part? I started neglecting my own goals and well-being because I was too caught up in their drama.

It took me a while to recognize that this relationship was holding me back.

Once I set boundaries and created space, I had more energy to focus on my own growth—and I realized how important it is to surround myself with people who give as much as they take.

3) The comfort zone keeper

Some people resist change—not just in their own lives, but in the lives of those around them.

They prefer things to stay the same, and they might even discourage you from taking risks or trying new things because it makes them uncomfortable.

The human brain is wired to seek familiarity and avoid uncertainty.

Psychologists call this ‘status quo bias’—the tendency to prefer things as they are, even when change could lead to something better.

If you’re constantly surrounded by people who reinforce this mindset, it can be hard to break free from your comfort zone.

Growth requires discomfort.

If someone in your life always pushes you to “play it safe” or discourages you from chasing bigger goals, they might be holding you back more than you realize.

4) The one-sided supporter

We all want friends who cheer us on, but real support goes both ways.

If someone only celebrates your success when it doesn’t outshine theirs, that’s a problem.

Some people will be there for you—until you start achieving more than them.

They might downplay your accomplishments, change the subject, or even make passive-aggressive comments when you share good news.

Instead of feeling proud of your progress, you end up second-guessing yourself or feeling guilty for moving forward.

True supporters don’t see your success as a threat.

They celebrate with you, lift you up, and push you to keep growing.

If someone in your life can’t do that, they might not be as supportive as they seem.

5) The past anchor

Some relationships keep you tied to an old version of yourself—one you’ve outgrown.

They remind you of your past mistakes, bring up old habits, or expect you to stay the same person you were years ago.

It’s hard to move forward when someone is constantly pulling you back.

Maybe they joke about things you’re trying to leave behind, or they resist the changes you’re making because it makes them feel like they’re losing the person they once knew.

But growth means change; you shouldn’t have to shrink yourself to fit into an old role just to make someone else comfortable.

The right people will evolve with you, not hold you in place.

6) The dream diminisher

Big goals can be intimidating—not just for you, but for the people around you.

Sometimes, instead of supporting your ambitions, certain people will downplay them, question them, or make you feel like they’re impossible to achieve.

It might come in the form of “practical advice” like: “Are you sure that’s realistic?” or “Maybe you should aim for something safer.”

Other times, it’s subtle—lack of enthusiasm when you share an idea or a quick change of subject when you talk about your dreams.

While some concerns come from a place of care, constant doubt can plant seeds of insecurity and make you second-guess yourself.

Surround yourself with people who encourage your dreams, not those who make them feel smaller.

7) The toxic tie

Some relationships aren’t just unhelpful—they’re harmful.

They drain your energy, break your confidence, and leave you feeling worse about yourself.

Maybe it’s manipulation, constant negativity, or a lack of respect.

Whatever the reason, these connections do more damage than good.

No amount of history, loyalty, or obligation is worth sacrificing your well-being.

Growth isn’t just about learning new things or setting bigger goals—it’s also about letting go of what holds you back.

Growth requires the right environment

Personal growth doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s shaped by the people around us.

The relationships we nurture can either propel us forward or keep us trapped in old patterns.

Our behaviors, attitudes, and even ambitions are shaped by the company we keep.

As motivational speaker Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

If certain relationships leave you feeling drained, doubtful, or stuck, it might be time to reevaluate them and, maybe, set yourself free!