I think we all know what it’s like to be around someone who drains us, the kind of person you leave feeling like you need a nap just to recharge.

But here’s where smart people do things differently.

They’ve got this radar, an ability to sense when someone’s going to lift them up or just weigh them down.

It’s not being judgy—it’s knowing when to welcome those who brighten your life and gracefully distance yourself from those who don’t.

So let’s break down the psychology behind the types of people smart folks tend to sidestep, for the sake of their sanity and, well, happiness.

1) Know-it-alls

Ever had a conversation with someone who acts like they’ve got all the answers? It’s exhausting, isn’t it?

Genuinely smart people tend to avoid the company of know-it-alls. Why? Because they stifle intellectual growth.

Smart people thrive on exploration, questioning, and intellectual curiosity. They value open-ended discussions where different perspectives are welcomed and considered.

But know-it-alls, with their seemingly unshakeable confidence in their own rightness, often shut down these types of dialogues. They think they already have all the answers, and that there’s nothing more to learn.

And that’s a big red flag for smart people. They understand that learning is a lifelong process and that no one has all the answers.

So, if you’re the kind of person who always needs to be right, you might find yourself left out of smart people’s circles.

Instead, try adopting a more humble and open-minded approach to conversations. You might just learn something new!

2) Negative Nancies

We all know that one person who always seems to see the glass as half empty. No matter how bright the sun is shining, they’ll find a cloud to point out.

I remember a colleague of mine, let’s call her Nancy.

She had an uncanny ability to turn every conversation into a lament about something going wrong in her life. Whether it was the traffic on her way to work or the coffee machine breaking down, there was always a crisis.

Smart people like me and perhaps you too, tend to avoid Negative Nancies, as per psychology. Why? Because they suck out all the positivity and energy.

Intelligent individuals understand the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. They know that constant negativity can act as a barrier to creativity, problem-solving and overall productivity.

So if you find yourself constantly focusing on the negatives, you might want to reconsider.

Try to find the silver lining or at least balance your outlook. You’ll not only feel better but also attract more intellectually stimulating company!

3) Energy vampires

Energy vampires are individuals who seem to suck the life out of you. They’re exhausting to be around, constantly feeding off your emotional or energy reserves without giving anything back.

Smart people actively avoid these types of individuals. But why?

The human brain uses up about 20% of the body’s total energy. That’s a significant chunk of your daily energy budget! And when you’re around an energy vampire, that percentage can skyrocket, leaving you feeling drained and tired.

Smart people understand the importance of conserving their mental energy for more productive activities.

They prefer to spend time with individuals who contribute positively to conversations and interactions, rather than those who drain their energy reserves.

Therefore, if you often find people avoiding your company, it might be worth considering whether you’re an energy vampire.

Try to be more aware of how your behavior affects others and strive to give as much as you take in your interactions.

4) Gossipmongers

While idle chit-chat and rumor mills can be entertaining for some, smart people often find them tiresome and unproductive.

Gossipmongers, those who thrive on spreading tales and rumors, are generally avoided by intelligent individuals. The reason is clear: They don’t contribute positively to personal growth or intellectual stimulation.

Smart people value their time and prefer to engage in meaningful conversations that challenge their thinking or broaden their horizons.

They’d rather discuss ideas and possibilities than waste time speculating about others’ personal lives.

So, if you’re someone who loves a good gossip session, you might want to rethink your conversational habits. The quality of our conversations often reflects the quality of our thoughts. Aim to discuss ideas, not people.

5) Bullies

No one likes a bully. These individuals use their power, whether physical or psychological, to intimidate and belittle others.

And smart people, with their innate sense of empathy and justice, find this behavior utterly repugnant.

Bullying is not just a schoolyard problem. It can permeate into adulthood and professional environments too. It’s something that smart people simply won’t stand for.

They understand that each person has a unique perspective to offer, a unique story to tell.

To bully someone is to silence that story, to deny that perspective. And this is something that goes against the very principles that smart people hold dear.

So, if you’re someone who uses their power or influence to intimidate others, it’s time for a change of heart.

The world needs more understanding, more compassion, not more bullies. Real strength lies not in suppressing others but in lifting them up.

6) Serial Complainers

I had a friend once who seemed to have a complaint about everything – the weather, her job, the city we lived in.

No matter what the topic was, she always found something to gripe about.

But here’s the thing: constant complaining doesn’t solve anything. It only serves to keep you stuck in a negative mindset, unable to move forward or find solutions.

Smart people understand this. They steer clear of serial complainers because they know that they need to conserve their mental energy for more productive endeavors.

So, if you find yourself constantly complaining, take a moment to reflect. Are your complaints helping you move forward, or are they just keeping you stuck?

It’s okay to express dissatisfaction, but it’s also important to focus on solutions and positive actions.

7) Non-listeners

We’ve all encountered individuals who seem to only wait for their turn to talk rather than truly listening.

These are the non-listeners, people who fail to give others their undivided attention during conversations.

Smart people find non-listeners particularly hard to be around. They understand that effective communication is a two-way street, requiring both speaking and listening in equal measure.

Non-listeners hinder meaningful conversations and prevent the exchange of ideas.

They often miss out on important details, making them less likely to provide valuable input or understand different perspectives.

If you often find yourself tuning out during conversations, it’s time to work on your listening skills. Smart people don’t just value the sound of their own voice; they also value the voices of others.

8) Dishonest individuals

Honesty is the cornerstone of any meaningful relationship, be it personal or professional.

Dishonest individuals, those who lie or deceive others for personal gain, are a big no-no for smart people.

Smart people value integrity and truthfulness. They understand that dishonesty breeds mistrust and can ruin relationships.

They also know that being around dishonest individuals can lead to unnecessary drama and complications.

If you value the company of smart individuals, strive to be honest in your dealings. Truthfulness may not always be easy, but it is always respected.

Final thoughts

When I think of the people I keep close, I realize it’s less for who they are and more for how they make me feel—like a gardener choosing to trim back the thorns and nurture the flowers.

Smart people know this truth: who you spend time with can shape your mood, your energy, even your outlook on life.

Avoiding people who drain you isn’t being aloof; it’s creating space for yourself to grow.

In the end, life is short, and if we’re lucky, it’s filled with people who challenge us, inspire us, and leave us better than they found us.

So here’s to surrounding ourselves with those who truly matter—because that’s where the real magic of life happens.