Keeping certain people in our lives can be more draining than beneficial. Psychology suggests that some individuals just aren’t worth the effort.
We all have those people in our lives who seem to take more than they give. It’s not necessarily malicious, but it certainly feels that way.
The truth is, not everyone is worth keeping around. And the sooner we realize this, the better our lives become.
So, for your mental and emotional wellbeing, here are eight types of people you might want to consider cutting ties with, according to psychology.
Let’s get started.
1) Energy vampires
These are the people who leave you feeling emotionally and mentally drained after every interaction.
We all know someone like this. They seem to suck the life out of a room, leaving everyone else feeling exhausted and depleted.
Energy vampires are masters of manipulation and guilt-tripping, always making you feel responsible for their emotions and problems. Their constant negativity can have a significant impact on your mental health.
It’s worth considering whether keeping these individuals in your life is more harmful than beneficial. It’s important to protect your own wellbeing, even if it means distancing yourself from people who bring you down.
2) Fair-weather friends
You know those friends who are only around when things are going well? The ones who disappear at the first sign of trouble?
I once had a friend like this. We’d spend hours laughing and catching up when life was all sunshine and rainbows. But the moment a storm cloud appeared on the horizon, she was nowhere to be found.
I remember when I lost my job; it was a challenging period in my life, and I needed support. But this friend, who had always been there during the good times, suddenly became distant.
Psychology tells us that these types of friendships aren’t beneficial. They’re one-sided, providing support only in times of joy but leaving us alone in times of need.
We deserve friends who stick around, no matter the weather. Trust me; it’s much better to have a few dependable friends than a crowd of fair-weather ones.
3) Chronic liars
Every relationship, whether it’s a friendship, family tie, or romantic partnership, is built on trust. But what happens when that trust is continually broken?
Enter the chronic liars.
These individuals have a habit of distorting the truth, making up stories, and deceiving others. Their actions can lead to a breakdown in communication, causing rifts in relationships.
People lie on average one to two times per day. However, chronic liars exceed this quota, with their falsehoods forming a significant part of their interactions.
It’s difficult to maintain a healthy relationship with someone when you can’t trust what they say. Recognizing these individuals and understanding their impact on your life is crucial for your emotional wellbeing.
4) Constant critics
We all need constructive criticism from time to time. It helps us grow and improve. But there’s a significant difference between helpful feedback and constant, unrelenting criticism.
People who are always critical can erode your self-esteem, making you question your worth and abilities. They focus on your mistakes, ignoring your achievements and successes.
These individuals can make you feel like you’re never good enough, creating a toxic environment that’s harmful to your mental health.
According to psychologists, constructive feedback should be specific, timely, and balanced with positive reinforcement.
If someone in your life only seems to highlight your flaws, it might be time to reconsider that relationship.
5) Unapologetic takers
In any relationship, there should be a balance of give and take. But some people tip the scales heavily in their favor.
Unapologetic takers are those who constantly ask for your time, support, and resources without ever reciprocating or showing gratitude. They see relationships as a one-way street, with all the benefits flowing towards them.
You might find yourself continually going out of your way for them, only to be left feeling unappreciated and used.
Love and friendship should never feel like a transaction. It’s important to surround yourself with people who value your generosity and reciprocate it. Not because they have to, but because they genuinely care about your wellbeing too.
6) Ghosters
Ghosting, the act of suddenly cutting off all communication without any explanation, can be a painful experience. One day you’re in regular contact with someone, and the next, they’ve vanished without a trace.
I’ve been ghosted before. It’s confusing, hurtful, and leaves you with a lot of unresolved questions. You wonder what you did wrong or if there was something you could have done differently.
Psychology suggests that ghosting is a form of emotional cruelty. It leaves the other party in a state of uncertainty and can significantly impact their self-esteem and mental health.
If someone has ghosted you and failed to provide any explanation or closure, it might be a sign that they don’t value your relationship as much as you do. It’s tough, but sometimes the best thing to do is let go and move on.
7) One-uppers
Ever shared an achievement or an experience, only to have someone immediately jump in with a story of their own that’s supposedly bigger and better? These are the one-uppers.
One-uppers can’t stand to let anyone else have the spotlight. They always need to be the center of attention, often at the expense of others.
Their constant need to outdo everyone can make you feel like your achievements and experiences are being diminished or overlooked. This can be damaging to your self-esteem and can create a competitive atmosphere that’s more stressful than supportive.
A healthy relationship should involve mutual respect and appreciation. If someone constantly tries to overshadow you, it may be time to reconsider whether they’re worth keeping in your life.
8) Undependable individuals
Reliability is a cornerstone of any healthy relationship. You should be able to count on the people in your life to keep their promises and be there when you need them.
Undependable individuals, however, consistently let you down. They break promises, show up late (if at all), and always seem to have an excuse for their behavior.
Relying on someone who’s consistently unreliable can lead to feelings of frustration, disappointment, and even resentment. It’s detrimental to your emotional wellbeing and can create unnecessary stress in your life.
When people show you who they are, believe them. If someone proves they can’t be trusted to follow through on their commitments, it might be time to distance yourself for your own peace of mind.
