We all have those people in our lives that just seem to drain us of energy.

You know the ones I’m talking about – they leave you feeling depleted and maybe even a little bit annoyed.

As a psychologist, I’ve noticed there are certain types of individuals who tend to be more exhausting to be around.

These are folks who tend to take more than they give, leaving you feeling like you’re running on empty.

In this article, we’ll delve into those eight types of people who can be seriously exhausting to be around.

Let’s see if you recognize any of them in your life.

1) The constant complainer

We all know someone who always seems to have a problem. No matter what the situation, they’ll find something to complain about.

This is the constant complainer, and their ceaseless negativity can be a serious drain on your energy.

They have a knack for converting a positive into a negative, leaving you feeling deflated and downhearted.

Being around constant complainers can be incredibly exhausting. Their negative energy can be contagious, sucking the joy out of any situation.

And, what’s worse, they often seem to demand your sympathy and attention, leaving you feeling emotionally depleted.

Of course, everyone has bad days.

But if someone in your life is consistently negative, it might be time to consider whether they’re one of the people who are seriously exhausting to be around.

2) The one-upper

Have you ever been in a situation where you’re sharing a story or an accomplishment, only to have someone else chime in with a tale that tops yours? Enter: the one-upper.

I once had a friend who was the quintessential one-upper. If I mentioned a great book I’d read, she’d read a better one.

If I shared a funny anecdote about my dog, she had an even funnier one about her dog. It was as if everything I did or experienced was simply a setup for her to share something “better”.

It’s draining to be around a one-upper.

They often leave you feeling like your experiences and feelings are minimized or devalued. It’s hard to feel seen and heard when every conversation becomes a competition.

3) The energy vampire

Energy vampires are those individuals who seem to suck the life out of you.

They’re not necessarily negative or mean-spirited, but they demand a lot of your time and attention, leaving you feeling tired and drained.

Interestingly, the term “energy vampire” actually comes from the world of parapsychology.

It’s used to describe people who “feed off” the energy of others, often without realizing what they’re doing.

These individuals often require constant attention and reassurance and can be incredibly demanding.

Being around them can feel like you’re running a marathon, leaving you exhausted and in need of a serious recharge.

4) The drama enthusiast

Ever met someone who seems to thrive on drama?

They’re always in the middle of a crisis, always have a problem that needs solving, or are constantly involved in some sort of conflict. This is the drama enthusiast.

Being around these people can be like living in a soap opera.

There’s always some sort of scandal or issue, and they seem to revel in the chaos.

It’s not just that they have a lot of problems, but they seem to actively seek them out.

5) The critic

We all need constructive criticism from time to time. It helps us grow and improve.

But then there are those people who seem to only speak in critiques. They’re never happy, always finding fault in something or someone.

The critic can make you question your self-worth. Their constant disapproval can chip away at your confidence, making you feel like you’re never good enough.

It’s as though they have a magnifying glass focused on your flaws, ignoring all the good that you do.

This constant scrutiny can be incredibly exhausting. It’s like walking on eggshells, always waiting for the next criticism to fall.

Nobody is perfect and we all deserve kindness and respect. Don’t let the critic drain your energy or your self-esteem.

6) The guilt-tripper

Guilt-trippers have a knack for making you feel responsible for their emotions. If they’re upset, somehow it’s your fault. If they’re unhappy, you must have done something to cause it.

I remember a time when I was constantly walking on eggshells around a close relative.

Every disagreement or minor inconvenience would lead to them laying the guilt on thick, making me feel like I was the root of all their unhappiness.

It’s exhausting being around a guilt-tripper.

You find yourself constantly trying to appease them, at the expense of your own needs and feelings. It’s important to remember that we are each responsible for our own emotions and happiness.

7) The victim

The victim is someone who never takes responsibility for their actions. They’re always the innocent party, and everything that goes wrong is someone else’s fault.

Being around someone who constantly plays the victim can be exhausting.

You can waste a lot of energy trying to help them, only to be met with resistance and blame.

Ultimately, everyone makes mistakes and it’s important to take responsibility for our actions.

Playing the victim only serves to push others away and prevent personal growth.

8) The narcissist

The narcissist is perhaps the most exhausting person to be around. They are self-centered, lack empathy, and are often overly critical. They demand constant attention and admiration, and tend to disregard the feelings and needs of others.

Being around a narcissist can be a serious drain on your emotional energy.

They are experts at manipulation, often making you feel guilty or inferior for not meeting their needs.

The most important thing to remember when dealing with a narcissist is to set firm boundaries and not let their negativity impact your self-worth.

You deserve respect and kindness, so don’t let them convince you otherwise.

Final thoughts: The power of self-care

At the heart of it all, dealing with exhausting people is really about self-care. It’s about understanding your emotional boundaries and knowing when to take a step back for your own mental health.

It’s vital to remember that it’s okay to distance yourself from people who drain you.

You have a right to your peace and happiness. Consider this a form of self-care, an essential aspect of your overall well-being.

So, the next time you find yourself in the company of these draining personalities, remember your boundaries.

And most importantly, remember that it’s okay to prioritize your mental health.

After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.