Everyone deserves positive relationships that provide them with support and companionship; however, we often encounter people whose toxic behaviors do the opposite. You might want to reconsider having these 18 types of toxic individuals in your life so that you can create healthier, happier connections.
The Gossip Monger
Gossiping is where people spread rumors or sensitive details about others without their knowledge. This creates a sense of distrust among groups of friends, colleagues, or other social circles. If you’re unsure if someone is gossiping, BetterUp suggests considering whether the speaker would be sharing the information if the other person were aware.
The Eternal Pessimist
Pessimistic people always consider the worst possible outcome, which can be demotivating to others around them. When you’re working in a group situation, pessimism can drain the positivity of everyone else, undermining any work you’re doing to create a constructive atmosphere.
The Manipulator
These people will try to influence or control those around them for their own advantage. This manipulation can be through lies or by trying to change the behaviors of others. For example, a manipulator may ask you to do something for the good of the group when, in actual fact, it serves nobody but themselves.
The Drama Queen/King
Dramatic individuals will often overreact to minor issues in order to make themselves the center of attention or gain sympathy from others. Sometimes, this can overcomplicate situations and create unnecessary conflict. Psych Central recommends, “If someone close to you is overreacting, try to respond with empathy.”
The Victim
While there are genuine victims of crimes and other awful experiences in life, it becomes toxic when someone constantly blames their own failures or difficulties on other people or external factors. This self-pity is used to gain sympathy and assistance from others as they refuse to take responsibility for their own mistakes.
The Jealous Competitor
Competition is healthy, but it can also become toxic when jealousy is involved. These individuals may show extreme envy towards other people’s achievements, either behaving negatively or trying to undermine their success. They also show little interest in their own growth, instead just focusing on outdoing others.
The Gaslighter
According to Verywell Mind, gaslighting is a “type of emotional abuse in which the bully or abuser misleads the target, creating a false narrative and making them question their judgments and reality.” Over time, this can take a significant toll on the emotional and mental health of the victim.
The Energy Vampire
We all like to listen to our friends’ feelings and show support when they face issues, but energy vampires will drain your emotional energy by dominating conversations with their needs and problems. These individuals are usually also very self-centered, meaning they’re unable to support others when they’re in need.
The Criticizer
Critical people will constantly point out flaws and mistakes that others make, typically in a negative rather than constructive manner. As a result, they leave their friends and colleagues feeling judged and underappreciated, leading to decreased levels of self-esteem in those around them.
The Flake
Is there anything more annoying than someone who lets you down every time you make plans? Flaky people’s unreliability often leads to a breakdown in friendships because they make others feel disrespected when it comes to their time and effort. Friends will also lose trust in flaky people, leading to a weaker connection between them.
The Narcissist
Narcissistic individuals are extremely self-centered and will lack empathy towards others. The Mayo Clinic says that “behind this mask of extreme confidence, they are not sure of their self-worth and are easily upset by the slightest criticism.” Often, these individuals will create one-sided relationships that only serve their own needs.
The Controller
People who try to dominate and control situations often believe that their way is the only right way. In a working environment, this can make it difficult for others around them to suggest new ideas and doesn’t allow for natural personal growth in a team.
The Enabler
Enablers will justify or defend their friends’ negative behaviors, which can be extremely damaging. For example, they may encourage self-sabotaging behaviors such as substance abuse. This prevents individuals from facing the consequences of their own decisions and, over time, can hinder their personal responsibility.
The Temperamental One
When someone shows intense changes in their mood within a short space of time, it can be challenging for others to predict and manage. The unstable emotions of this person leave others feeling like they’re walking on eggshells as they’re trying to avoid a negative reaction.
The Liar
Trust is the foundation for any relationship, and liars make it very difficult. They may twist the truth or leave out key information to suit themselves, making it tricky to know when communication with them is genuine. Over time, being friends with a liar could leave you facing consequences in your own life as a result of their dishonesty.
The Passive-Aggressive
Sarcasm, the silent treatment, and subtle sabotage are all common traits of a passive-aggressive person. They use these tactics to show that they’re unhappy with someone or a situation without having to directly say so. Often, it can leave those around them feeling confused and frustrated.
The One-Up
Even in casual situations, these people will try to outdo or overshadow others. Often, this is to feed their own self-importance, which leads to others feeling resentful because their achievements and contributions have been diminished. Usually, this behavior stems from insecurity.
The Isolator
Another toxic behavior, isolation is sometimes used because someone is jealous of another person’s social circles or they are scared of the influence other friends may have on this person.
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