8 habits of people who cause drama no matter where they go

There’s a distinct difference between those who naturally attract drama and those who live without it.

The difference lies in habits. Some people seem to be constant magnets for drama, stirring up chaos without even trying, while others manage to steer clear of it.

Creating drama, you see, is often an unconscious habit rather than a deliberate act.

And for those of us who prefer a more peaceful existence, it’s helpful to be able to spot the telltale signs of a habitual drama creator.

In this article, we will delve into the 8 habits of people who seem to cause drama wherever they go.

By identifying these patterns, you could avoid unnecessary dramatic situations, or at least understand how to navigate them better.

1) They thrive on chaos

You know those individuals who seem to be in a constant state of turmoil? They’re the ones who can’t seem to live without a crisis.

While most of us crave a bit of stability and peace, drama creators seem to thrive on chaos.

In fact, they may not even realize it, but they’re often the ones stirring up the waters.

Why is this? It could be due to a number of reasons.

Maybe they’re used to living in high-stress situations and don’t know how to function without them. Or perhaps they get a rush from the adrenaline that drama brings.

Whatever the reason, this habit of constantly creating chaos is a sure-fire sign of a drama creator. It’s their modus operandi – their standard operating procedure.

And by recognizing it, you can better understand their actions and navigate your interactions with them.

2) They love playing the victim

We all know someone who always seems to be on the receiving end of life’s hardships. No matter what happens, they’re always the victim – never at fault, never to blame.

Take my friend, let’s call her Lily. She is a prime example of this tendency. Every time something goes wrong in her life, it’s never her doing.

If she misses a deadline, it’s because her boss didn’t give her enough time. If she argues with her boyfriend, it’s because he doesn’t understand her.

Lily portrays herself as the innocent party, caught in the crossfire of life’s unfairness. But after knowing her for a while, I’ve come to realize that it’s often these self-inflicted dramas that keep her in constant turmoil.

Playing the perpetual victim is a common habit among drama creators.

It allows them to shirk responsibility and gain sympathy from others. But once you recognize this pattern, you can start to see through the theatrics and understand the real dynamics at play.

3) They’re masters of exaggeration

In the world of theatre, there’s a term known as “dramatic license”. This refers to the freedom to depart from facts or literal reality for the sake of a compelling story.

Drama creators live by this principle in their day-to-day lives. A minor disagreement becomes a full-blown feud. A simple misunderstanding transforms into an unforgivable betrayal.

This isn’t just anecdotal evidence.

Psychological research suggests that some people have a propensity for “catastrophizing” – a cognitive distortion where they tend to blow things out of proportion and assume the worst.

This habit of exaggeration is a key trait of those who cause drama. By turning molehills into mountains, they ensure a constant state of upheaval and excitement in their lives.

Recognizing this trait can help you to take their dramatic narratives with a grain of salt.

4) They’re addicted to gossip

Gossiping is often seen as harmless chatter. But for drama creators, it’s an essential tool in their drama-causing arsenal.

Whether it’s spreading rumors, sharing secrets or discussing other people’s lives in great detail, they can’t seem to resist the allure of a juicy piece of gossip.

You see, gossip serves multiple purposes for them. It helps them feel connected and involved.

It gives them a sense of power and control. And most importantly, it provides a steady stream of material for their drama production.

But beware, while it might seem like innocent fun to them, being drawn into their world of gossip can quickly lead to unnecessary complications and strife.

If you’re aware of this habit, you can choose to not engage and thereby avoid becoming part of their drama.

5) They struggle with empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s the cornerstone of healthy relationships and effective communication.

However, for those who seem to perpetually cause drama, empathy often seems to be in short supply.

They struggle to see things from other people’s perspectives and have a hard time recognizing the effect their actions might have on those around them.

This isn’t to say they’re heartless or cruel.

In fact, they might be dealing with their own emotional turmoil that makes it hard for them to step outside of their own experiences.

Remember, understanding is not the same as accepting or excusing behavior. Recognizing a lack of empathy in a habitual drama creator helps us better navigate our interactions with them.

It reminds us that their actions often stem from their own struggles, rather than anything we’ve done.

6) They avoid resolution

I’ve noticed that some people seem to have a unique talent for dodging resolution. Just when you think you’re about to reach a compromise or find a solution, they throw another wrench in the works.

I remember trying to resolve a disagreement with a colleague.

Each time we were close to finding common ground, he would bring up another issue, or reframe the problem in a way that made resolution seem impossible.

What I eventually realized is that for some people, resolving issues means the end of drama. And for those who thrive on drama, that’s the last thing they want.

They’d rather keep the pot stirring, even if it means prolonging conflict or discomfort.

This habit of avoiding resolution is another sign of a drama creator.

It’s their way of ensuring the drama never ends. But if you can spot this trait, you can take steps to work towards resolution despite their efforts to avoid it.

7) They have a flair for theatrics

Ever noticed how some people seem to have a flair for the dramatic?

They know how to make an entrance, command attention, and turn any situation into a scene straight out of a soap opera.

Drama creators often possess this theatrical talent. They’re skilled at using dramatic expressions, grand gestures, and emotional displays to captivate their audience.

This isn’t just about being the center of attention. It’s about controlling the narrative and dictating the emotional climate around them.

But remember, while their theatrics can be engaging and even entertaining at times, they can also escalate situations and fuel unnecessary conflict.

Being aware of this habit can help you keep things in perspective when their drama starts to unfold.

8) They lack self-awareness

Perhaps the most important thing to understand about habitual drama creators is that they often lack self-awareness.

They might not realize the extent of the chaos they cause or understand how their actions impact others.

This lack of self-awareness can make it hard for them to break out of their drama-causing patterns.

After all, it’s difficult to change behavior you don’t recognize as problematic.

Recognizing this can help us approach these individuals with more understanding and patience.

It’s not about excusing their behavior, but rather acknowledging that change takes time, especially when someone is not fully aware of the need for it.

Final thoughts: It’s about understanding

At the heart of human behavior are complex layers of emotions, experiences, and cognitive processes.

When it comes to individuals who seem to be magnets for drama, it’s crucial to remember that their behaviors might be deeply rooted in their personal experiences and coping mechanisms.

As Carl Jung, the famous Swiss psychiatrist, once said, “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”

Recognizing the habits of drama creators isn’t about passing judgment or distancing ourselves.

Instead, it’s about gaining insight into their patterns and understanding how these might impact our interactions with them.

Perhaps, it’s also about self-reflection. By observing these habits in others, we might uncover similar tendencies within ourselves that we were previously unaware of.

In the end, it’s about fostering understanding and empathy – both for others and for ourselves.

Because the more we understand, the better equipped we are to navigate the complexities of human behavior that shape our daily interactions and relationships.