8 types of people that aren’t worth keeping in touch with, according to psychology

Navigating the world of relationships can be a tricky business. We all have those people in our lives who just seem to drain our energy, leaving us feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.

According to psychology, there are certain types of people that might not be worth keeping in touch with. It’s not about being mean or unkind, but rather about looking out for your own mental and emotional wellbeing.

In this article, we’ll explore 8 types of people that you might want to consider distancing yourself from. And remember, it’s not about blaming or judging these individuals, but rather about acknowledging the impact they have on your life.

Let’s get started. 

1) Energy vampires

Let’s start with a type of person that psychologists often refer to as ‘energy vampires’.

Energy vampires are those individuals who seem to suck the life right out of you. They’re often overly negative, constantly complaining, or always wrapped up in some type of drama.

Spending time with them can leave you feeling depleted and drained. It’s like they have a unique ability to suck all the positivity out of any situation.

Though it might sound harsh, distancing yourself from these energy vampires can be crucial for your own mental wellbeing. It’s not about ditching them in times of need, but rather recognizing the consistent pattern of negativity and how it affects you.

You have the right to protect your energy and surround yourself with positivity. Being selective about who you invest your time in isn’t selfish – it’s self-care.

2) The one-sided friendship

Next up is something I’ve personally experienced – the one-sided friendship.

You know the type. They’re the ones who only seem to remember you exist when they need a favor. They’re always happy to share their problems, expecting you to provide a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on. But when it’s your turn to need support, they’re nowhere to be found.

I had a friend, let’s call her Lisa. Lisa was great fun at parties and we shared some good times. But soon I realized that our conversations were always about her. She never took an interest in my life, and was always ‘too busy’ when I needed someone to talk to.

Eventually, I had to accept that this was a one-sided friendship. It was tough, but I realized it was better for my mental health to distance myself from Lisa.

Real friendships should be about give and take. If you’re constantly giving and not receiving anything in return, it might be time to re-evaluate your relationship with that person.

3) The constant critic

Then there’s the constant critic. These are the people who always seem to have something negative to say about you or your life. They’re quick to point out your flaws and rarely miss an opportunity to make you feel small or inadequate.

Interestingly, according to psychology, those who are overly critical of others often struggle with feelings of inadequacy themselves. It’s a way for them to feel superior or distract from their own shortcomings.

While constructive criticism can be helpful, there’s a clear line between offering advice and constantly picking someone apart. If you find yourself constantly on the receiving end of harsh criticism, it might be time to reconsider your relationship with this person.

4) The perpetual victim

Another type of person that can be hard to maintain a healthy relationship with is the perpetual victim. These individuals seem to live in a constant state of crisis.

To them, the world is always against them and they never seem to catch a break.

While it’s important to be supportive and empathetic when someone is going through a tough time, perpetual victims rarely take responsibility for their own actions or decisions.

They blame others or circumstances for their misfortunes and seldom show any effort to change their situation.

Engaging with this type of mentality can be exhausting and emotionally draining. It’s important to establish boundaries and understand that you can’t fix someone else’s life for them. They need to take responsibility for their own actions and decisions.

5) The unapologetic liars

Trust is the cornerstone of any meaningful relationship. But what happens when that trust is repeatedly broken? The unapologetic liars are people who have a habit of bending the truth, making up stories, or outright lying.

Lies, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem, can seriously erode trust. You find yourself questioning everything they say and doubting their sincerity.

The heartbreaking part is that sometimes these lies come from people we love and care about deeply. It’s tough to accept that someone you hold dear can be so dishonest.

While it’s always painful to sever ties, maintaining a relationship with an unapologetic liar can cause more harm than good in the long run. It’s okay to prioritize your emotional wellbeing and choose honesty and integrity in your relationships.

6) The unreliable ones

We all have those individuals in our lives who are chronically unreliable. They’re the ones who are always running late, constantly cancelling plans at the last minute, or simply forgetting commitments they’ve made.

I once had a close friend who had a habit of doing this. It was frustrating and often left me feeling unimportant and taken for granted. No matter how many times I expressed my feelings, the pattern continued.

Reliability is a key component of trust and respect in a relationship. When someone consistently fails to keep their word, it signals a lack of respect for your time and feelings.

While we all have moments of forgetfulness or unexpected circumstances, chronic unreliability can be a sign of a deeper issue. If someone continually shows you they can’t be relied upon, it might be time to re-evaluate their place in your life.

7) The eternal pessimist

Positivity is contagious, but so is negativity. The eternal pessimist is the person who always sees the glass as half-empty. No matter what happens, they always manage to find a downside.

These individuals often struggle with their own internal issues, which makes them see the world through a negative lens. While it’s human to have moments of pessimism, living in a constant state of negativity can be draining for those around them.

It’s important to understand that while you can offer support and positivity, you cannot change someone’s outlook on life – that’s something they have to do for themselves. Surrounding yourself with positive influences can make a significant difference in your own outlook and mental wellbeing.

8) The manipulators

Finally, we have the manipulators. These individuals use others for their own gain, often without any regard for the other person’s feelings or wellbeing. They’re masterful at twisting situations and words to their advantage, and can leave you questioning your own judgement.

Manipulative individuals often struggle with insecurity and control issues. They use manipulation as a tool to maintain a sense of power or superiority.

The most important thing to remember when dealing with manipulative people is that you can’t change their behavior, only your reaction to it. Standing your ground, setting clear boundaries, and prioritizing your own mental health are crucial when dealing with such individuals.