Ever had that feeling of just being wiped out by someone?

And it’s not about the little annoyances like always running late. It goes deeper.

It’s how they act, and the way it leaves you feeling – stressed, anxious, or just plain worn out.

Sometimes, it’s not super obvious.

You might feel a bit uneasy around them, even when everything looks fine on the outside.

You try to brush it off, but deep down, you feel like something’s not right.

In this article, we’re going to look at 8 behaviors that might mean someone’s company is just too much for you emotionally.

It might be hard to face, but it’s important to recognize.

1) They always play the victim

Living or working with someone who constantly sees themselves as the victim can be emotionally draining.

Here’s the thing: They might always be blaming others for their problems, never taking responsibility for their own actions.

Let’s be honest, it’s as if they’re stuck in their own world where they can do no wrong.

You may try to reason with them, show empathy, or even help them see a different perspective, but it might seem like your words are falling on deaf ears.

After a while, this constant negativity can start to weigh on you.

You might find yourself feeling frustrated, anxious, or even guilty for situations that you have no control over.

This is a sure sign that their presence is emotionally exhausting.

But in essence, it’s not your job to fix their problems or to bear the brunt of their self-proclaimed victimhood. Your emotional well-being is important too.

2) They constantly criticize

Being around someone who’s always criticizing can feel like walking on eggshells. You see, every decision you make, every word you say, seems to invite some sort of critique.

And it’s not even constructive feedback, it’s more like snide comments or offhand remarks designed to put you down.

I’ve been there.

I know what it is to be always under the microscope, having to justify my choices and actions.

It’s exhausting.

The cycle goes: You start doubting yourself, second-guessing your decisions, and your self-confidence takes a hit.

But don’t be mistaken, this kind of behavior is not okay. Nobody deserves to be the target of constant criticism.

3) They are overly demanding

I’ll never forget this one person I used to work with.

They were incredibly demanding, always expecting me to drop everything to attend to their needs. But that’s not all, they wouldn’t just ask for a favor once in a while. No, they expected me to be at their beck and call, all the time.

They would make requests without considering if I had the time or capacity to fulfill them. Just think about it. Stress and anxiety became my constant companions.

I was constantly worried about not meeting their demands fast enough or perfectly enough.

Living or working with someone like this can be an emotional roller coaster.

In short, the constant pressure and expectations can leave you feeling drained and overwhelmed.

4) They are passive-aggressive

Dealing with passive-aggressive behavior is like trying to nail jelly to a wall.

It’s elusive, frustrating, and can leave you feeling like you’re always the bad guy. One moment they’re fine, the next they’re giving you the cold shoulder. You ask what’s wrong and they respond with, “Nothing. I’m fine,” even though their actions say otherwise.

Psychologists consider passive-aggressive behavior as a form of emotional abuse. It’s a way of expressing negative feelings or hostility without open confrontation.

As a result, it creates an undercurrent of unhappiness that’s hard to pinpoint but impossible to ignore.

5) They never apologize

When you’re dealing with someone who never apologizes, it’s like being in a one-sided argument. You’re always the one who has to back down, to make concessions, to keep the peace.

Quite frustrating right?

Even when they’re clearly in the wrong, they simply refuse to admit it. Instead, they may twist the situation around to make it look like it’s your fault. This kind of interaction can leave you feeling drained and stressed.

The truth is, if someone refuses to apologize or take responsibility for their actions, it’s a clear sign that their presence could be emotionally exhausting.

On a personal note, you deserve to be in relationships where people can admit their mistakes and work towards resolving issues.

6) They disregard your boundaries

Personal boundaries are crucial for maintaining our emotional health. They’re our way of communicating what we are comfortable with and what we are not.

But some people, just don’t seem to get it.

These folks may constantly:

• Push your limits
• Ignore your needs
• Invade your personal space

For instance, they may constantly demand your time and attention, even when you’ve clearly expressed your need for some alone time. Or, they may share your personal information with others without your consent.

This constant invasion can leave you feeling violated and stressed. After all, respecting boundaries is not just about being polite, it’s about acknowledging and valuing the other person’s individuality and needs.

And you deserve to be around people who respect you.

7) They always need to be right

Everyone likes to be right.

But there’s a difference between enjoying being correct and needing to be right all the time. I’m talking about the kind of person who will argue their point to death, refusing to consider other perspectives.

Here’s the thing, they’re not interested in a discussion or a debate, they’re interested in proving you wrong. It’s like being in a constant battle of wits. Every conversation becomes a competition, and it’s exhausting.

The result?

You find yourself avoiding discussions or withholding your opinions just to keep the peace.

Remember that healthy relationships involve mutual respect and the understanding that it’s okay to agree to disagree sometimes.

8) They are emotionally unavailable

You see, this is when someone consistently avoids or dismisses your attempts at emotional connection.

You might try to share your feelings or concerns, only for them to brush it off or change the subject. Or they might keep their own emotions locked away, making it hard for you to know them or feel close to them.

It’s like trying to fill a bucket with a hole in the bottom. No matter how much you pour in, it’s never enough. The lack of emotional reciprocity can leave you feeling lonely and frustrated.

In essence, if someone is consistently emotionally unavailable, it’s natural to find their presence is emotionally exhausting.

Final thoughts

Experiencing emotional exhaustion due to someone else’s behavior can be tough.

But recognizing this is the first step toward change.

If you’ve found yourself nodding along to these signs, it’s time to prioritize your emotional health. It doesn’t mean you’re selfish or uncaring. It simply means you understand the value of your own well-being.

Take a moment and reflect on these behaviors, and consider how they might be affecting you.

Is it time to set some boundaries? Could you benefit from a little distance?

Change might be difficult, but it’s also empowering. You have the right to safeguard your emotional health.

And remember, you’re not alone in this.

There are countless resources and communities out there to help, like Mind, a mental health charity that offers support and advice.