8 types of people who never deserve a second chance, according to psychology

There’s a fine line between being forgiving and being a doormat.

The difference often lies in knowing when to give someone a second chance and when to cut ties.

As per psychology, there are certain types of people who rarely change, no matter how many chances they get.

In this piece, we’ll identify eight types of such people who, according to psychology, may not deserve that second chance.

Let’s dive into an enlightening, if somewhat disconcerting, journey into the human psyche.

1) Habitual liars

Trust is the bedrock of any relationship, be it personal or professional.

And nothing erodes trust faster than dishonesty.

Psychology tells us that habitual liars are a unique breed of individuals. Their propensity to lie isn’t just an occasional slip but a deep-seated pattern.

Often, they lie even when there’s no apparent reason to do so. It’s like second nature to them.

Giving a habitual liar a second chance might seem like the compassionate thing to do. But unless they show a genuine willingness and effort to change, the odds are that they’ll just revert to their old ways.

So, if you come across a habitual liar, think twice before giving them another shot. You might just save yourself a world of hurt.

2) Serial cheaters

Infidelity is a tough pill to swallow. It’s a betrayal that cuts deep and leaves lasting scars.

Psychology suggests that serial cheaters, much like habitual liars, tend to follow a pattern. They cheat not out of dissatisfaction or unhappiness, but because they crave the thrill of the chase.

I learned this lesson the hard way. I was once in a relationship with someone who had a history of cheating. I believed that they had changed, that our love was different. But as time went on, old habits resurfaced.

It was a painful experience, but it taught me a valuable lesson: serial cheaters rarely change. They might promise to reform, but unless there’s real evidence of change, it’s safer to steer clear and save yourself from potential heartbreak.

3) Emotional manipulators

Emotional manipulators are masters of deceit. They have a knack for twisting situations and conversations to their advantage, often leaving you feeling guilty or indebted to them.

Interestingly, a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who regularly engage in manipulative behavior often have higher levels of certain personality traits, such as narcissism and Machiavellianism.

These individuals have a tendency to exploit others for personal gain, with little regard for the emotional harm they may cause. It’s prudent to be wary of giving second chances to emotional manipulators, as they could use it as another opportunity to continue their harmful behavior.

4) Constant criticizers

Constructive criticism is a vital part of growth and development. But there’s a vast difference between someone who provides helpful feedback and someone who constantly criticizes.

The latter are individuals who seem to take pleasure in pointing out flaws and mistakes, often doing so in a harsh and demeaning manner.

Psychology suggests that these individuals may be projecting their own insecurities onto others. However, their negative energy can be draining and harmful to your self-esteem.

Giving a second chance to a constant criticizer without seeing signs of change could mean subjecting yourself to more undue stress and negativity. Your well-being should be your priority.

5) Unapologetic wrongdoers

We all make mistakes. It’s part of being human. But what sets us apart is our ability to recognize our wrongdoings, apologize sincerely, and make amends.

However, there are individuals who hurt others and show no remorse. They fail to acknowledge their mistakes or the pain they have caused, often brushing it off or blaming others.

This lack of empathy can be deeply hurtful. It’s like a wound that never heals because the person who inflicted it refuses to acknowledge it.

Giving a second chance to an unapologetic wrongdoer can feel like allowing them to reopen that wound again and again. Sometimes, for your own peace and healing, it’s necessary to say enough is enough.

6) Fair-weather friends

Friendship, like any relationship, should be a two-way street. It’s about being there for each other, through the good times and the bad.

I once had a friend who was always around when things were going well, but the moment I hit a rough patch, they were nowhere to be found. It was a harsh realization that they were only in it for the fun times and had no interest in weathering the storms with me.

Psychology suggests that such fair-weather friends lack empathy and genuine commitment. Giving them a second chance might only lead to more disappointment. It’s often wise to invest your time and energy in people who value your friendship as much as you value theirs.

7) Freeloaders

A healthy relationship involves a fair exchange of effort, time, and resources. However, there are individuals who always seem to be on the receiving end and rarely reciprocate.

Freeloaders tend to take advantage of others’ generosity without contributing anything in return. They often display a sense of entitlement, expecting others to cater to their needs while ignoring or dismissing others’ needs.

Giving a freeloader a second chance without seeing any signs of change could lead to a cycle of exploitation. It’s important to establish boundaries and ensure that any relationship you’re in is balanced and reciprocal.

8) Abusers

Abuse, in any form, is never acceptable.

Whether it’s physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual, abusers inflict harm that can have long-lasting impacts on their victims.

Psychology tells us that abusers often follow a cycle – a period of abuse followed by an apology or a honeymoon phase, and then another period of abuse.

Giving an abuser a second chance without them undergoing professional help and showing substantial evidence of change can lead to a continuation of this harmful cycle.

It’s crucial to remember: everyone deserves respect, safety, and dignity in their relationships. Breaching these fundamental rights is a line that should never be crossed.

Final thoughts: It’s about self-care

Human behavior, in its complexity, often mirrors the intricate web of experiences, traits, and internal mechanisms that shape our psyche.

In the context of second chances, psychology provides us with vital insights. It helps us understand patterns of behavior that may not change easily, thus guiding us in making informed decisions.

For those who display the behaviors we’ve discussed, change isn’t impossible. But it often requires substantial effort, professional help, and a genuine desire to reform.

Remember, choosing not to give a second chance is not about being unforgiving. It’s about self-preservation. It’s about protecting your mental and emotional wellbeing from potential harm.

The renowned psychoanalyst Carl Jung once said, “As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.”

In the context of our discussion, this could mean illuminating the paths we need to avoid for our own peace and happiness.

May this reflection guide you in your journey towards healthier relationships and a happier life.