8 types of people you should keep well away from your family, according to psychology

Tina Fey by Tina Fey | January 13, 2025, 9:04 pm

In our relationships, it’s crucial to identify those that might harm our family’s wellbeing.

As much as we want to believe in the good in everyone, some individuals are simply toxic.

Psychology sheds light on different personality types that can disrupt the peace of your household.

From the constant drama creator to the perpetual victim, these types can turn your life upside down.

In this article, we’ll delve into the 8 types of people you should keep well away from your family, according to psychology. So buckle up and get ready to protect your loved ones.

1) The constant critic

Everyone faces criticism from time to time, it’s a part of life. But there’s a world of difference between constructive criticism and constant, unnecessary negativity.

Psychology tells us that people who constantly criticize others often do so to make themselves feel superior.

It’s a weapon they use, consciously or unconsciously, to manipulate and control those around them.

This behavior can be corrosive to your family’s harmony and wellbeing. Being constantly belittled can lead to diminished self-confidence and heightened anxiety.

The constant critic is one type of person you should consider distancing from your family. 

2) The perpetual victim

There’s a person I used to know who seemed to be in constant turmoil. No matter the situation, they always found a way to see themselves as the victim.

Psychology tells us that these perpetual victims often use their “victim status” as a mechanism to avoid taking responsibility for their actions.

They tend to blame others for their misfortunes and rarely take steps to improve their situations.

Having this type of person around can drain the positive energy out of your family.

It creates an environment where everyone is always walking on eggshells, trying not to trigger the next bout of victimhood.

From my experience, it’s best to keep perpetual victims at a distance from your family. It’s not about being insensitive, but about safeguarding your family’s mental peace.

3) The serial liar

Believe it or not, according to a study conducted by the University of Massachusetts, an estimated 60% of adults can’t have a ten-minute conversation without lying at least once.

While this might be surprising, most of these lies are often harmless white lies.

However, when someone consistently and maliciously bends the truth, they cross into the territory of being a serial liar.

These individuals create a web of deceit that can severely disrupt trust within your family.

Serial liars can be dangerous, as their constant dishonesty can lead to confusion, mistrust, and tension.

It’s wise to keep such characters away from your family to maintain an environment of honesty and trust.

4) The manipulator

Manipulators are adept at controlling situations and people to their advantage. They’re often charming and persuasive, making it hard to realize their true intentions.

Psychology identifies manipulators as individuals who use deceptive and underhanded tactics to exploit others.

They may use guilt-tripping, gaslighting, or other forms of emotional blackmail to get what they want.

The presence of a manipulator can create a tense environment in your family.

It’s important to identify these individuals early and keep them at a distance from your loved ones.

Protecting your family’s emotional wellbeing should always be a priority.

5) The emotional vampire

Sometimes, there are people in our lives who seem to drain our energy.

You may find yourself feeling emotionally exhausted after spending time with them. These individuals are often referred to as emotional vampires.

Emotional vampires have a knack for turning the attention towards themselves, leaving little room for others’ thoughts and feelings.

They tend to feed off the emotional energy of others, leaving you feeling drained and depleted.

Having an emotional vampire in your family’s midst can be incredibly taxing. It’s essential to protect your family’s emotional health and energy.

After all, home should be a place where everyone feels heard, valued, and energized—not drained and disregarded.

6) The pessimist

I’ve always been a believer in positivity. Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of looking at the bright side of things.

However, I had a friend who constantly saw the glass as half-empty.

Pessimists tend to focus on the negative side of things.

While it’s normal and healthy to express negative emotions from time to time, incessant pessimism can be damaging. It breeds negativity and can bring down the overall mood of your family.

Living with a constant cloud of negativity over your head can be mentally exhausting.

7) The gossipmonger

Gossipmongers thrive on spreading rumors and juicy tidbits of information – true or not.

They show little regard for the feelings of others and often enjoy stirring up drama.

Psychologically, these individuals might gossip to feel superior or to fit into social groups.

However, their behavior can lead to misunderstanding, hurt feelings, and even ruined relationships.

Having a gossipmonger within your family circle can foster an atmosphere of distrust and suspicion.

It’s wise to keep such individuals at bay to ensure your family remains a safe space where everyone’s privacy is respected.

8) The narcissist

At the core of family is love and mutual respect. Unfortunately, narcissists struggle with these concepts.

Narcissism is more than just excessive self-love or vanity – it’s a personality disorder that involves a lack of empathy and an intense need for admiration.

Narcissists can cause significant emotional harm due to their manipulative behaviors and lack of understanding towards others’ feelings.

Their constant need for admiration can disrupt the balance of your family dynamic.

Final thoughts: Guarding the hearth

The dynamics of human interactions and relationships can be as diverse and complex as our own individual personalities.

Psychology often provides a guiding light, helping us understand the various types of people we may encounter in our lives.

When it comes to our family, this understanding becomes even more critical.

After all, our family is often our sanctuary, a place where we seek love, comfort, and understanding. It’s our responsibility to protect this sanctuary from individuals who might disrupt its peace and harmony.

It’s not about shunning people or creating barriers but about ensuring the wellbeing of our loved ones.

The people we choose to keep away from our family are not necessarily bad or evil, they might just not be the right fit for our family dynamics.

Remember, maintaining a healthy, respectful, and loving environment for your family is of paramount importance. So make your choices wisely and let your actions be guided by love and respect.

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