7 types of people you should never trust, according to psychology

Mia Zhang by Mia Zhang | September 16, 2024, 12:14 pm

We all know that trust is a vital part of any relationship, but it’s not always clear who we should place that trust in.

According to psychology, there are certain types of people you should be wary of.

These are individuals with traits and behaviors that signal distrust.

In this article, we’re going to delve into these types – the types you should probably steer clear of when it comes to entrusting them with your secrets, your heart, or your time.

So let’s buckle up and get ready for a ride into the seven types of people you should never trust. 

1) The constant complainers

We all know that person. The one who is never happy, always finding something to complain about.

According to psychology, constant complainers can be a danger to your mental health.

Their negativity can rub off on you, draining your energy and bringing down your mood.

These individuals tend to see the world through a lens of pessimism, always expecting the worst.

This can make them unreliable as they often exaggerate problems and see obstacles where there are none.

If you’re surrounded by a constant complainer, be cautious.

Their negativity could lead you down a path of mistrust and misunderstanding.

It’s best to take their words with a grain of salt and try not to let their pessimistic outlook influence your view of the world.

2) The gossipmongers

Ah, gossip. It can be a guilty pleasure, but it’s a dangerous game to play.

Psychology tells us that people who gossip can’t be trusted.

Here’s why…

If they’re talking about others behind their back, there’s a good chance they’re doing the same to you.

I learned this lesson the hard way when I trusted a friend with a personal secret.

She was always the one to have the latest scoop on everyone else, so I should have seen the warning signs.

But, in a moment of vulnerability, I shared something very personal with her.

Sure enough, a week later, I started hearing whispers of my secret echoing back to me from other friends.

Gossipmongers may seem fun and exciting with their tales and tidbits of information.

But remember, if they’re willing to share others’ secrets, they’re likely willing to share yours too.

So be careful about what you share with them.

3) The serial flakers

We’ve all come across those individuals who constantly cancel plans at the last minute or simply don’t show up.

These serial flakers can be difficult to trust.

Psychologically speaking, chronic flakiness can be a sign of deeper issues such as:

  • Lack of respect for other people’s time
  • Self-centeredness
  • Social anxiety 

Interestingly, a study published in Personality and Individual Differences found that people who cancel plans frequently are more likely to have certain personality disorders, such as narcissism.

They may struggle with impulse control or have a casual disregard for others’ feelings.

So, while it might be tempting to give the benefit of the doubt to those who consistently flake on plans, keep in mind there could be more to their behavior.

It might be best to approach these relationships with caution.

4) The blame shifters

Blame shifters are those individuals who never take responsibility for their actions.

They’re always pointing the finger at someone else when things go wrong.

According to psychology, blame shifting is a common trait among narcissists and it can be a strong indicator of untrustworthiness.

These individuals rarely admit their mistakes, choosing instead to lay the fault at someone else’s feet.

This behavior often stems from a deep-seated fear of failure or rejection.

But whatever the reason, it can be incredibly damaging to relationships.

It’s hard to trust someone who never owns up to their actions and always puts the blame on others.

If you’re dealing with a blame shifter, remember – it’s not about you.

Their refusal to accept responsibility is a reflection of them, not you.

Try not to let their blame game affect your self-esteem or your trust in others.

5) The emotional manipulators

Emotional manipulators are masters at twisting situations to their advantage.

They make you question your own perception of reality, turning things around so you feel like you’re the one in the wrong.

I remember dealing with someone like this.

Every time we had a disagreement, they would somehow twist the situation until I felt guilty, even when I knew deep down that I wasn’t at fault.

It was a horrible feeling, like walking on eggshells all the time.

These types of people can be incredibly damaging to our self-esteem and trust in ourselves.

It’s important to recognize when someone is manipulating your emotions for their own gain and to distance yourself from such relationships.

Trust me, it’s not worth the emotional toll.

6) The chronic liars

Chronic liars are a category unto themselves when it comes to trust.

These individuals find it nearly impossible to tell the truth, even in situations where honesty would be easier and more beneficial.

According to psychology, pathological lying can be a symptom of various personality disorders, including narcissism and antisocial personality disorder.

It’s a pattern of behavior that’s not only untrustworthy but also potentially indicative of deeper issues.

Dealing with chronic liars can be incredibly frustrating and damaging.

Their lies can range from small, seemingly insignificant fibs to large scale deceptions.

Needless to say, it’s hard to build trust when you’re constantly questioning the truth of what they say.

If you encounter a chronic liar, it’s best to maintain a healthy distance and treat their words with caution.

After all, trust is built on truth, and without that, there’s no foundation for a healthy relationship.

7) The self-absorbed individuals

Perhaps the hardest people to trust are those who are self-absorbed.

These individuals are so focused on their own needs and wants that they often disregard those of others.

Like chronic lying, self-centered behavior can be a sign of narcissistic personality disorder.

These individuals have an inflated sense of their own importance and a deep need for constant attention and admiration.

In relationships, self-centered people often prioritize their own feelings and needs above those of others.

This disregard for other people’s feelings can make it difficult to trust them.

Remember, healthy relationships are built on mutual respect and understanding.

If someone consistently shows that they value their needs above yours, it may be a sign that they’re not trustworthy.

Final thoughts: It’s about self-protection

Whether it’s the blame shifter who never takes responsibility or the gossipmonger who can’t keep a secret, understanding these personality types helps us make better decisions about who we allow into our inner circle.

The more awareness we have, the more we are able to protect ourselves.

Learning from past experiences and recognizing negative patterns can help us better navigate trust in our relationships.

So reflect on your relationships and ask yourself: Are these individuals deserving of my trust?

If not, it may be time to reevaluate and make changes for your own well-being.