For your personal growth and well-being, it’s a good idea to reevaluate the people you surround yourself with from time to time.
Who’s holding you back? Who’s constantly jealous of your success?
This can be a tough process. I know because I’ve been through it many times.
But what gives me hope is knowing that for every toxic person I let go, I make room for a more positive and caring person.
So, without further ado, here are 7 types of people you need to let go of (for your good):
1) People Who Constantly Criticize You
We all have that one friend or family member who constantly finds things to criticize…
Your hair is either too short or too long. Or you gained weight or you’re not eating enough. And why, for God’s sake, did you think that sweater was a good idea?
Sound familiar?
People like this tend to be extremely insecure. They criticize you to make themselves feel better about their lives.
But if you spend too much time with someone like this, you’ll end up feeling insecure too.
Surround yourself with people who give you constructive feedback instead. People who genuinely care about your happiness and well-being. You’ll quickly notice an improvement in your mood and mental health!
2) People Who Are Never Happy For You
At a family gathering the other day, my sister-in-law announced her engagement to her boyfriend, who is also the father of their 8-month-old.
I already knew this, so I didn’t react right away, instead letting the family take priority.
However… things didn’t go exactly according to plan. There was complete silence. You could hear someone’s stomach growling and the baby sucking on their pacifier.
In short, they never got a “congratulations” or “I’m so happy for you guys!”
Even though it’s a family thing, I’d advise my sister-in-law to stay away from them, because they weren’t happy for her!
And that goes for you, too.
People who make fun of you or look for negatives whenever you hear good news do not deserve a place in your life. Unfortunately, this is a sign of the following point:
3) People who are jealous of you
Usually, if someone is never happy for you, it is because they are jealous or resentful.
For your good, you should limit the time you spend with these people or cut ties with them altogether.
Jealous people see no further than their sadness. They will often do everything they can to sabotage your success or happiness.
You may feel guilty even when good things happen to you, just because of their reaction.
Unfortunately, I have experienced this within my family – growing up I was forever hurt by their sarcastic comments or belittling of my achievements.
But since I have moved away and cut ties, I feel safe and content. I am proud of myself. And I don’t worry about what others will say or think.
You can achieve the same.
4) People Who Gossip Behind Your Back
Want to know the quickest way to lose trust in everyone around you?
Spend some time with a gossiper.
Such people will not hesitate twice to spread lies, embellish stories, or create drama just to stir up a buzz.
But the worst part is that they can make you feel like you’re the center of a crazy conspiracy theory where everyone is trying to get you down.
This is because gossipers rarely admit their mistakes. They will blame everyone else first.
And where does that leave you? The center of chaos, not sure who you can trust or believe anymore.
So, I think it’s pretty clear what harm can come from keeping someone like this in your life – run for the hills as fast as you can!
5) People Who Drain Your Energy
I made the mistake of befriending an energy vampire twice. I’ve learned my lesson now but at the cost of my patience, energy, and sometimes my sanity.
Energy vampires will latch onto you, feeding off any positivity you have and turning it into something negative.
They love to complain about their lives. They whine about everyday problems like it’s the end of the world. And they expect you to listen to them for hours and hours.
If there’s someone who comes to mind, think about this:
- Do you feel drained after hanging out with them?
- Do you rarely get a chance to talk or share your news?
- Is he always the victim in every situation?
If you answered “yes” to all of these questions, then you have an energy drainer in your life. Cut them off immediately.
This may sound harsh, but having someone like that around is bad for your mental health. Not to mention, they don’t care about you anyway—it’s all about them.
6) Manipulative People
Have you ever had a friend who can’t take no for an answer?
They’ll guilt trip you, try to get sympathy, negotiate, or even emotionally blackmail you.
Let’s say you’re exhausted after a busy week and all you want to do is relax at home. But your girlfriend insists on going out with her.
Completely ignoring the fact that you’re tired, you might say something like, “If you loved me, you’d come with me,” or “A good friend wouldn’t leave me bored on a Friday night!”
A good friend will respect her friend’s emotional and physical needs!
You need to leave these people behind because they’re not looking out for you. They don’t have your best interests at heart.
And make no mistake—their manipulation and guilt tactics are toxic.
7) People Who Resist Change
Finally, you need to leave behind people who resist change. Because these same people will hold you back when it comes to your personal growth.
They will discourage you from taking risks. They will convince you not to move forward in life.
And 99% of it comes from their fear or insecurity. Or because they feel threatened by the changes you’re making—you’re no longer the “comfortable” safe friend they once had.
But that’s okay!
God created us to evolve and change, not to stay stuck in one place.
That’s why whenever someone from my past says to me, “You’ve changed a lot,” I take it as a compliment and think, “Thank God!”
But I know it’s hard to cut ties with people, especially if they’re family or old friends.
Ultimately, you have to figure out who’s cheering you on, and who’s holding you back. Even if you can’t cut ties with them, limiting the time you spend with them will make a big difference!
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