Recognizing the signs of an energy vampire is the first step in protecting yourself from their negative impact. By setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and surrounding yourself with positive influences.Intentionally or not, some people noticeably drain our emotional resources even during fleeting communication – these are usually called energy vampires. But what if it’s you? We’ll tell you what habits are typical of “bloodsuckers”
Manipulations
Healthy friendship, and any other kind of relationship, should be mutually beneficial. Of course, we are not talking about money. Communication can bring a lot of non-material bonuses: from moral support to the opportunity to share the joy of victories with like-minded people. Alas, some people are used to taking without giving. Eventually, the irritation of the “donor” reaches a critical point, after which any communication with the vampire-manipulator will cease.
Egocentric chatter
Pay attention to the distribution of time in conversations: ideally, it should be evenly divided between the remarks of all interlocutors – as in political debates. In life, you should not use a timer, just make sure that you are not the kind of person who always talks only about himself and interrupts the opponent at the first opportunity. In this case, the interlocutor feels hostage to the situation, not knowing how to correctly interrupt your monologue. Ultimately, tireless attempts to be the center of attention are incredibly tiring.
Position of eternal victim
Are you sure that the world is against you? It seems that you are stuck in the position of an eternal victim. Such people, under the pretext of asking for advice, are used to describing in detail their own helplessness under the pressure of circumstances – in their world, someone else is always to blame. But as soon as you call them to active actions and responsibility, their interest in communicating with the motivator melts away before our eyes. However, not everyone has the willpower to open the eyes of complainers to reality: sufferers turn those around them into a kind of garbage pit, into which they regularly pour negativity, feeding on sympathy.
Jealousy of attention
Sharing your achievements is even useful, but some people have a talent for using any conversation for unrestrained bragging. Even if loved ones are deservedly in the spotlight, this type of personality burns with jealousy for attention and will do anything to switch it to themselves. Needless to say, how pathetic this looks in the eyes of others? However, energy vampires do not care much – if they can steal someone else’s minute of glory, they do it without thinking.
Addiction to gossip
Let’s be honest – who among us has never gossiped about mutual friends or colleagues? The situation becomes unhealthy if every conversation you have starts with discussing other people, especially in a negative way. Know that this is what people with low self-esteem do, who try to rise by humiliating others. Perhaps you will be able to incite your interlocutors to criticize third parties and thus gain support. But do not forget – notorious gossips sooner or later lose the trust of others.
Total pessimism
Are you sure that the glass is half empty? In that case, teach that the need to constantly “fill” it for you takes away energy from your friends. Total pessimism becomes burdensome for those around you who are not ready to share the opinion about the hopelessness of the world and the lack of joy in life. Eventually, optimists will get tired of convincing you otherwise – there is a high risk of withdrawing into yourself due to the lack of a social circle.