We all know someone a bit hard to handle. It can be challenging to spot the signs that someone might be a tough cookie to deal with.

In this writing, I will summarize seven behaviors that signal you’re dealing with a problematic person and make navigating those tricky relationships easier.

Sound good? Let’s dive in.

1) They’re constantly negative

Have you ever had that friend who always sees the glass as half-empty? You know, the one who can find a cloud in every silver lining? That was my college roommate, Lisa. No matter how sunny the day, she could always find something to complain about.

Negativity can be contagious. It reduces your mood and turns even the most enjoyable activities into an ordeal.

While we all have our down days, spending time with an unrelentingly negative person can be challenging.

2) They’re overly critical

Then there was my colleague Mark. He was a skilled programmer, but he loved to critique. Every little mistake was an opportunity for him to flex his expertise.

It didn’t matter if it was a minor typo in an email or a small code error; Mark would swoop in with his unsolicited advice.

When constructive, criticism can be helpful. But when it’s excessive and unwarranted, it can become draining.

A person who constantly picks apart everything you do can quickly turn from a friend or colleague into someone you’d rather avoid.

3) They monopolize conversations

A conversation is a two-way street, not a one-person show. When someone consistently takes up the lion’s share of the conversation, it can leave you feeling unheard and undervalued.

It’s not about being an introvert or extrovert; respecting and considering the other person’s thoughts and opinions are crucial.

4) They’re dismissive of your feelings

There’s nothing quite like the sting of having your feelings brushed aside. You pour your heart out, only to be met with a shrug or a sarcastic comment. It’s as if your emotions are insignificant, which can be incredibly hurtful.

Acknowledging someone’s feelings doesn’t mean you have to agree with them. It shows empathy and understanding, even if the situation doesn’t directly affect you.

When someone is dismissive of your feelings, it can make for a very challenging relationship.

5) They always play the victim

A few years back, I had a friend named Sarah. No matter the situation, Sarah was always the victim. If she got a parking ticket, it was because the universe was against her. Her boss had a personal vendetta if she didn’t get that promotion.

Playing the victim always is a clear sign of someone who refuses to take responsibility for their actions. It’s exhausting to be around because it’s like living in a perpetual drama series.

However, it’s hard to help or even sympathize with someone who won’t acknowledge their role in their problems.

6) They’re consistently unreliable

There’s nothing like planning a night out or a weekend trip only for that one friend to cancel at the last minute. It’s frustrating and can often leave you in a bind.

Being unreliable once or twice is understandable – we all have unexpected events that come up. However, if it becomes a pattern, it’s a clear red flag.

Reliability is a cornerstone of any strong relationship. If someone consistently lets you down, it shows a lack of respect for your time and can strain your relationship seriously.

7) They’re manipulative

Manipulative people are the puppet masters of complex behavior. They’re adept at twisting situations and words to their advantage, often leaving you feeling confused and guilty.

It’s a behavior that’s not just hard to deal with but can also be damaging to your mental health.

Dealing with someone who displays these behaviors can be draining, but recognizing the signs is the first step toward managing the situation.

Remember, it’s okay to set boundaries and prioritize your well-being above maintaining a problematic relationship.