Success is in the eye of the beholder. Wherever you want to be, your path will be different from someone else’s.
But every journey reaches its end through the characters who accompany you. So, who are the people you don’t want around you?
Here are the types of people who will drag you down at every turn.
1) Gossip shop
Tearing people apart is a sport for some people. Although some gossip is harmless, much of it is not. According to one study, criticism is five times more powerful than a compliment.
In other words, people who gossip about others will soon start gossiping about you. The last thing anyone wants is for someone in their inner circle to talk about them behind their back.
2) Self-destruct
We all make terrible choices in life. What defines us is how we handle those choices.
For example, during the era of coronavirus stay-at-home orders, I, like many others, have been drinking a lot and binging on fast food. But I don’t blame COVID-19 for that. I blame myself because those were my choices.
You can work with that. But those who are hopelessly self-destructive and self-destructive while blaming anything and everything will only drag you down.
After all, what’s the point of taking the time to support someone who refuses to do anything about the problem?
3) Conversation pig
One study revealed that 39% of Americans classify themselves as introverts. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, it’s normal for not every interaction to go well.
However, if the only topic of conversation is themselves, this is a big red flag. If someone doesn’t ask you about your life and shows little interest, it’s not a friendship. This is called therapy, and unless you are paid by the hour, push this chatty narcissist to the brink.
Here’s another character you wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley.
4) Emotional vampire
No, they won’t suck your blood like Dracula. At least Dracula seems like a pretty chill guy to hang out with. In contrast, the emotional vampire will absorb every drop of motivation and enthusiasm.
Whether it’s constant gossip, complaining about problems they don’t do anything about, or trash-talking about anything and everything, any interaction will send you heading for a nap.
Do you need to avoid this problem? Ask yourself if someone provides value to your relationship.
5) Selfie while walking
There is a big difference between Leonardo DiCaprio the actor and Leonardo DiCaprio the man. And in his case, there’s a reason for that. But this is not normal for most people.
The walking profile picture is a person who is always shining. Everything is perfect, filtered, and organized. The only thing that can ruin their day is transparency.
Walking selfies are unable to open up or show any vulnerability. They will play characters in an elaborate game of staying away from others to prevent anyone from understanding their true identity.
This is a problem because you cannot fully trust these characters.
6) The green monster
Humans come in different skin tones, but these characters only come in green. They want what you have because envy is their favorite of the seven deadly sins.
They are constantly jealous, whether it is of charm, intelligence, job, partner, or even the latest gaming console.
And not because what they have is worse. They do not aspire to be you the way a farmer looks to a billionaire. What makes them wild is that they want something just because you have it.
Read on to learn about another character whose traits you might find in this character.
7) Human is low hit
Competition is a natural part of life. But if you were in the office and being undermined at every turn, would you want this person in your life?
Think of the movie The Dictator. Aladdin, played by Sacha Barin Cohen, begins a sprint race by gunning down all of his rivals at the starting line. This is what it’s like to interact with these people because they won’t play fair.
8) The one-horse rider
I once knew a man who considered everyone his competition. Was he an NFL player? No. Was he an aspiring Olympian? No. Was he even a star in high school? no.
He was a man like everyone else, but he would create these weird games in his head where he would compete with everyone at everything.
The only problem was that he was the only one playing.
You don’t need to be a genius to realize that this person won’t take any of your successes well. Maybe it’s best to opt out of this game!
9) The leech
Leeches are very similar to emotional vampires in that they will suck you dry. But the leech doesn’t do that emotionally. Instead, they do it physically.
Every corporate office on Earth is filled with these types of personalities. Whether it’s the ass-kissing person, the sucker, or the person with scuffs on their knees, leeches only exist for what they can get out of them.
For example, if you are a personal friend of their boss, don’t be surprised if people want to be your friend so they can gain some leverage with the Big Boss Man.
If this doesn’t sound like your thing, it’s time to pour salt on these characters.
10) Prophet of torment
In my opinion, one of the things that makes a good friend is that they are your biggest cheerleader when you need them most.
Well, the prophet of doom is on the other side of the equation. These pessimists will criticize any idea or spark of inspiration you have.
Nothing kills motivation like a pessimist.
11) The raging drunkard
Falling down and getting crashed at parties is the result of a great night out. However, it is not the ambition or goal.
But even after thirty, there are still those who treat any dinner party like a college fraternity reunion. They will destroy everything, fall, start fights, and of course, waste everyone.
They may be fun to be around, but they are always causing trouble. Now, here’s the type of person you may have heard of.
12) The man
Mansplaining is something everyone has heard of. According to the New York Post, women are on the receiving end of male insults six times a week at work.
But it would be unfair to say that this is an exclusively male problem. Really, the deviant personality type is nothing more than someone who speaks like an expert on every topic. And no, you didn’t ask.
Perhaps a better term would be Dunning-Kruger cult.
13) The quietest
Never in the history of human endeavor has anyone so successfully calmed down when told to “Calm down!” But that’s not what this person is.
The problem with the Calm Down cast is that it always seems condescending. They belittle your problems at every opportunity, and ignore how you feel.
Good friends will never deny or belittle your feelings. So, if you are constantly being told to “calm down” or “first world problems”. A common phrase in your circle, it’s time to exit stage left.
Now, here’s another personality type that you should always stay twenty steps away from.
14) The self-destructor
Wait, didn’t we already talk about self-destructive habits? We have, but there are several types of self-destructive personalities that you should be aware of.
The desperate self-destructor is unwilling to do anything about his problems when confronted.
A self-saboteur is someone who constantly tries and fails. Substance abuse issues often characterize them, and they may also suffer from anger issues.
So, they want to improve their lives, but something always happens. That’s why you may want to take some time before getting rid of these people. Just handle it carefully because it can easily become collateral.
Now, here’s an example of perhaps the worst person ever.
15) Stabbing in the back
I mean, does this really need any explanation?
If someone is trying to cheat on you – or has already done so – there is no reason to keep them in your life.
16) Dead weight
Doorstops and paperweights are examples of dead weight. These types of static weights are useful, but the human equivalent is not.
Think back to group assignments at school. The deadweight is the one who did nothing but gets full credit.
If someone never contributes but achieves a major accomplishment, it weighs on you. It’s time to cut the rope and let them fall.
People make the way
Evil people turn the straight path into a treacherous path. Good people are the ones who are always there with snacks and supplies when things get tough.
As with your romantic relationships, the people you choose can make life easier or harder. Think about your current circle of friends and acquaintances and consider whether they are taking advantage of you.
Think about the value they bring to the relationship. If they are harming more than they are helping, it is time to leave them behind.
