Ever get the feeling that someone’s not as trustworthy as they seem?
Maybe they talk a little too smooth, or their stories just don’t quite add up. Well, you’re not alone—navigating who to trust can be a tricky part of life.
Whether it’s a friend who shares your secrets just a bit too freely or that co-worker who always seems to have ulterior motives, some people give off those subtle red flags.
In this article, we’re diving into the nine types of people psychologists say you should think twice about trusting.
Trust is one of life’s most valuable currencies, so learning to spot these warning signs can help you protect your energy, your heart, and your peace of mind.
Ready to sharpen your radar?
1) The compulsive liar
Compulsive lying, also known as pseudologia fantastica or mythomania, is not always easy to identify initially.
This habit often begins subtly, with small, seemingly harmless lies. Over time, however, these lies can grow in frequency and magnitude.
You may begin to notice inconsistencies in this person’s stories or find evidence that contradicts what they’ve told you.
They may also have a tendency to embellish or exaggerate details to make their stories more dramatic or interesting.
Unfortunately, compulsive liars can be very convincing and manipulative, often convincing themselves of their own lies, which makes them even more difficult to spot.
According to psychology, this type of behavior can be a sign of various personality disorders including narcissistic personality disorder and borderline personality disorder.
2) The perpetual victim
Ever come across someone who always seems to be on the wrong end of situations, constantly facing adversity and never at fault?
This is often a sign of a perpetual victim.
These individuals have a habit of portraying themselves as the innocent party in all situations, regardless of their own actions or involvement.
They may often blame others for their misfortunes and refuse to take responsibility for any wrongdoing.
The perpetual victim can be draining to deal with, as they often require constant reassurance and support, while seldom offering the same in return.
Their refusal to accept responsibility can also lead to repeated negative behaviors, as they do not see the need for change or improvement.
While it’s compassionate to offer support to those who are genuinely facing hardships, it’s crucial to recognize when someone is using victimhood as a tool for manipulation or evasion of responsibility.
3) The overly charming individual
We all love being around charming people who make us feel special and valued.
However, it’s important to note that sometimes, this charm can be a façade hiding ulterior motives.
Individuals who are excessively charming right off the bat might be trying to win your trust quickly for their own benefit.
They could be adept at saying the right things, offering compliments, and making grand gestures to draw you in.
While it’s delightful to be around someone who makes you feel good, it’s crucial to be cautious if the charm seems too good to be true.
Observe their actions over time—consistent behavior is a better indicator of character than words.
4) The emotional vampire
Dealing with an emotional vampire can be exhausting
. These individuals suck the energy out of you, leaving you feeling drained, weary, and emotionally depleted.
They’re often needy, demanding, and never satisfied no matter how much time, attention, or energy you give them. They might:
- Constantly demand your attention
- Throw tantrums if they don’t get their way
- Play mind games to keep you feeling guilty and bound to them
These individuals rarely consider your needs or feelings. Instead, they’re focused on fulfilling their own desires.
It’s not your responsibility to fix them or fill their emotional voids. It’s okay to protect yourself and create boundaries.
5) The eternal pessimist
We all have our down days, and it’s completely normal to face periods of negativity.
However, continually negative individuals, or eternal pessimists, can be challenging to trust and be around in the long run.
These individuals tend to see the worst in every situation.
They often focus on problems rather than solutions and dwell on past mistakes instead of learning from them and moving forward.
While it’s essential to be empathetic and understanding towards their perspective, it’s also crucial for your own mental health to maintain a certain distance, especially if their negativity starts impacting your own outlook.
6) The constant critic
We all know someone who never seems satisfied and always finds a reason to criticize. They always have something negative to say, whether it’s about:
- Your choice of clothes
- Your career
- Your friends
- Your favorite TV show
This constant criticism can be damaging to your self-esteem and can create a cloud of negativity around your relationship with them.
While constructive criticism can be beneficial, ceaseless fault-finding is often more about the other person’s insecurities and less about your shortcomings.
7) The flaky friend
We all have that one friend who says they’ll show up, but more often than not, they cancel at the last minute. Or maybe they’re always late, leaving you waiting and wondering if they’ll even show up at all.
While it’s understandable that plans can change and delays can happen, if it becomes a recurring pattern, it might be a sign of a flaky friend.
While these individuals might be fun and exciting to be around when they do show up, their unreliability can make them hard to trust.
It’s always good to have a sense of humor about these things – after all, we’ve all been late or had to cancel plans at some point.
Always remember that trust is built on reliability and consistency.
8) The one-way street friend
Friendship, like any relationship, should be a two-way street.
But sometimes, you might come across individuals who treat it more like a one-way journey, where they’re the only ones benefiting.
These are the friends who are always there when they need something from you, but are mysteriously absent when you need a shoulder to lean on.
They’re quick to borrow but slow to return, and their promises often seem to get trapped in some parallel universe, never to be fulfilled.
Tough love time: you deserve better. Friendships should be about mutual respect, support, and reciprocity.
9) The manipulator
Perhaps the most dangerous of all are the manipulators.
These individuals know how to twist words, situations, and emotions to their advantage. They play on your insecurities, making you question your judgment and even your sanity.
Manipulators often disguise their intentions with sweet words and grand gestures, making it difficult for you to see their true motives.
They might use guilt, fear, or sympathy as weapons to get you to do what they want.
Never let anyone manipulate or control you. Respect, honesty, and genuine love are the basis of any healthy relationship.
Final thoughts
In life, trust is precious—and knowing who to give it to can make all the difference.
Whether it’s a friend, colleague, or even a family member, some people just aren’t as reliable as they might seem.
By keeping an eye out for the subtle signs we’ve discussed, you’ll be better equipped to protect yourself from potential letdowns.
While no one is perfect, learning to navigate relationships with discernment will help you foster connections with people who truly deserve your trust.
After all, trust is something you shouldn’t give away lightly—it’s earned.
Stay sharp, stay smart, and trust wisely!
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