Life’s a whirlwind of interactions, and along the way, you’re bound to meet some characters who might not have your best interests at heart. And sometimes, giving a second chance could mean inviting more harm than good.
According to psychology, there are certain types of individuals who, unfortunately, just aren’t worthy of that second chance.
In this article, we’ll delve into the eight types of people who never deserve a second chance, backed by psychological insights.
Let’s get started.
1) The perpetual takers
Life is a give and take. That’s the rhythm that keeps relationships alive and thriving. But what happens when one person only takes, without giving back?
Enter the perpetual takers. These individuals seem to believe that the world, including you, owes them something. They’re always ready to accept your help, your time, your resources… but when it’s their turn to extend a hand, they suddenly vanish.
Psychology suggests that these individuals might be dealing with deeply ingrained patterns of selfish behavior. And while it’s never wrong to help a person in need, it becomes problematic when it’s a one-way street.
Giving a second chance to perpetual takers often means signing yourself up for more heartache.
Everyone deserves your kindness, but not everyone deserves your energy and time.
2) The chronic liars
There’s a saying that goes, “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me”. This phrase rings especially true when dealing with chronic liars.
Chronic liars are individuals who’ve made lying a habit. And believe me, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with them.
I remember a friend from college, let’s call him John. John had this knack for spinning tales that were hardly ever true. He’d make up stories about his family’s wealth, his supposed overseas trips, and his imaginary achievements. It was entertaining at first until I realized he was also lying about serious matters.
One day, I caught him spreading rumors about me to other friends. He’d told them I was dropping out of school due to failing grades – a complete fabrication. When confronted, he shrugged it off as a ‘joke’.
Psychologists suggest that chronic liars may struggle with their self-esteem or be trying to manipulate others for personal gain.
In my experience, granting John a second chance only paved the way for more lies and hurt feelings. Sometimes, it’s best to let go and protect oneself from the negative impact of a chronic liar’s behavior.
3) The emotional blackmailers
Emotional blackmailers are masters of manipulation. They’re skilled at using your feelings against you to get what they want.
Consider for a moment the classic case of a child throwing a tantrum in a store to get a toy. In adults, the tactics might be subtler, but the principle remains the same: exerting emotional pressure to manipulate another’s decision.
Here’s a surprising bit of information: According to psychology, emotional blackmail often stems from fear – fear of loss, abandonment, or rejection. Yet, this understanding doesn’t lessen the damage they can inflict.
Providing a second chance to an emotional blackmailer can sometimes reinforce their harmful behavior. It’s crucial to set boundaries and protect your mental health when dealing with such individuals.
4) The habitual cheaters
In relationships, trust is everything. It’s the bedrock upon which love and respect are built. So what happens when that trust is shattered by infidelity?
Habitual cheaters are individuals who repeatedly breach the trust of their partners. They might promise to change, to never do it again, but their actions often tell a different story.
Psychology suggests that habitual cheaters may struggle with issues like commitment, self-esteem or even addiction. Yet these explanations don’t erase the pain they cause to others.
Giving a second chance to a habitual cheater can sometimes feel like playing with fire. It’s essential to consider the potential emotional toll before deciding to forge ahead with such individuals.
5) The relentless critics
Criticism can be constructive. It can help us grow, learn, and become better versions of ourselves. But what about those who continuously find fault in everything you do?
Relentless critics are individuals who never seem satisfied. No matter how hard you try, they always find something to criticize. It feels as if you’re constantly under a microscope, and every flaw is magnified.
This kind of constant negativity can take a serious toll on your self-esteem and overall mental health. It can make you doubt your worth and abilities.
Relentless critics often project their own insecurities onto others. However, understanding this doesn’t make their comments sting any less.
Giving a second chance to a relentless critic might mean signing up for more heartache. It’s important to surround yourself with people who lift you up, not those who constantly bring you down. Remember, you are enough just as you are.
6) The promise breakers
Promises are meant to be kept, not broken. They’re a testament to one’s integrity and commitment. Yet, there are individuals who treat promises like they’re disposable.
Promise breakers are those who constantly make commitments they never keep. They leave you hanging, waiting for something that never comes.
I once had a colleague who’d always promise to complete tasks and then never deliver. It created a frustrating work environment, where I was always left scrambling to pick up the pieces.
Psychologists suggest that promise breakers may struggle with accountability or have a fear of failure. Regardless of the reason, their actions can create a cycle of disappointment and mistrust.
Giving a second chance to a promise breaker often means setting yourself up for more letdowns. It’s essential to consider this before deciding to rely on them again.
7) The perpetual victims
Perpetual victims are individuals who never seem to take responsibility for their actions. Everyone and everything is to blame but themselves. Their narrative is one of constant hardship, with them always at the receiving end.
Psychology points out that perpetual victims may have adopted this stance as a form of emotional defense. It’s easier to blame others than to take a hard look at one’s own actions.
However, constantly being around a perpetual victim can be draining. It can create a toxic environment where personal growth and accountability are stifled.
Granting a second chance to a perpetual victim might mean renewing a cycle of blame and negativity. It’s worth considering if this is an energy you want in your life.
8) The unapologetic wrongdoers
One of the hardest people to give a second chance to are the unapologetic wrongdoers. These are individuals who hurt others intentionally and feel no remorse for their actions.
Psychology suggests that such behavior could be a sign of deep-seated issues, including narcissism or sociopathy. These individuals often lack empathy, which makes it difficult for them to understand the pain they inflict on others.
No one has the right to cause you harm or distress. And if someone shows you their true colors without remorse, it’s okay to step away and protect yourself. You deserve respect and kindness, always.
