We all have people in our lives who seem to drain our energy. Sometimes, they might not even realize they’re doing it.

You see, being around emotionally draining people can leave you feeling exhausted, stressed, and downright unhappy.

But how do we identify them? Well, there are certain behaviors these individuals usually display without even realizing it.

In this article, we’ll delve into the eight typical behaviors of emotionally draining people. 

1) Constant negativity

We all have days when we’re down and out. But for some people, it’s more than just a bad day – it’s a constant state of being.

These individuals are often characterized by a constant stream of negativity. Everything is wrong, nothing is right, and the world is against them.

The weather, their job, their relationships – you name it, they’ve got an issue with it. And while everyone has the right to vent occasionally, continuously being around such high levels of negativity can be incredibly draining.

It’s like being stuck in a rain cloud that never lifts. Their negativity can seep into your own mindset, leaving you feeling down and disheartened.

2) Overbearing need for attention

I think we all know someone like this in our lives. A person who seems to crave the spotlight and constantly needs to be the center of attention.

A few years back, I had a friend who would always turn the conversation towards herself. No matter what we were discussing – whether it was my new job or a movie I saw recently – she would somehow manage to steer the conversation back to her own experiences.

She would rarely ask me how I was doing or show interest in my life. It was emotionally draining because it felt like my feelings and experiences were being sidelined.

While it’s natural for people to want to share their experiences, constantly demanding attention can be exhausting for those around them. It creates a one-sided relationship where one person’s needs are always prioritized over the other’s.

3) Inability to listen

Listening is a critical aspect of communication. Yet, emotionally draining individuals often struggle with this aspect. They tend to monopolize conversations and rarely take the time to genuinely listen to what others have to say.

Research shows that good listeners are not only popular among their peers but also perceived as leaders. It’s because listening makes people feel valued and understood, fostering stronger connections.

However, when dealing with people who don’t listen, it can feel like you’re talking to a wall. You may end up feeling unheard and unimportant, which can be incredibly emotionally draining over time.

4) Emotional vampires

Ever felt completely drained after a conversation? If so, you might have encountered an emotional vampire.

Emotional vampires are people who feed off other’s energy. They take and take, leaving you feeling exhausted while they walk away rejuvenated.

Typically, these individuals are overly dramatic or always in crisis mode. They seek sympathy and attention, leaving little room for your emotions or needs. The imbalance that stems from this dynamic can be mentally and emotionally exhausting.

Remember, a good relationship is about give-and-take. If you’re constantly giving and not receiving anything in return, it might be time to reassess your boundaries.

5) Lack of empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s what connects us as human beings. However, emotionally draining individuals often lack this trait.

These people find it hard to put themselves in other people’s shoes. They may dismiss your feelings, or worse, use them against you.

This lack of understanding can be hurtful and isolating, making you feel as though your emotions are invalid.

6) Refusal to take responsibility

There’s something disheartening about people who refuse to take responsibility for their actions. They always have an excuse, always someone else to blame.

I once worked with a colleague who would never own up to his mistakes. If something went wrong, he’d instantly start pointing fingers at everyone else. It was never his fault.

This behavior made the work environment stressful. It felt like walking on eggshells because any mistake could be used as ammunition against you.

This constant avoidance of responsibility can be emotionally draining because it creates an environment of mistrust and tension. Constructive growth comes from acknowledging our mistakes, learning from them, and moving forward.

7) Excessive criticism

Constructive criticism is necessary for personal growth and development. However, there’s a fine line between providing useful feedback and being overly critical.

People who are emotionally draining often cross this line. They pick on every little fault and rarely have anything positive to say. This constant nitpicking can wear you down, making you feel inadequate or even worthless.

Remember, nobody is perfect. It’s okay to make mistakes. Don’t let anyone’s excessive criticism cloud your self-worth or hinder your personal growth.

8) Boundary violations

Respecting personal boundaries is fundamental in any relationship. When someone constantly crosses these lines without acknowledging or apologizing, it can be emotionally exhausting.

Whether it’s showing up uninvited, going through your personal items, or insisting on discussing uncomfortable topics, boundary violations can leave you feeling disrespected and violated.

If someone is persistently violating  your boundaries, it might be time to reconsider the relationship.