Stay away from them! 4 Types of People to Avoid

You may have felt tired and exhausted after talking to some people. This is a sign that you are facing a toxic personality. According to research in the field of psychology, up to 15% of people show signs of toxic behavior that can negatively affect the mental health of others.


Why is it important to recognize toxic people?
Studies by the American Psychological Association show that prolonged interaction with toxic personalities can lead to an increase in levels of cortisol – the stress hormone – by 45%. This negatively affects not only the psychological state, but also physical health, causing problems with sleep, immunity and the cardiovascular system.

1. Manipulators: Masters of Emotional Blackmail
Manipulators are one of the most dangerous toxic personalities. They masterfully use guilt, emotional blackmail and gaslighting to achieve their goals.

How to recognize a manipulator:

• Constantly appealing to a sense of duty and morality
• Skillfully plays on emotions and guilt
• Benefits your achievements and exaggerates your contribution
• Makes you doubt the adequacy of your perception of reality

2. Energy vampires: kidnappers of life forces
The term energy vampire appeared in psychological literature in the 1990s. According to Dr. Judith Orloff, about 20% of people show signs of emotional vampirism.

Signs of an energy vampire:

• After talking to him, you feel exhausted.
• He constantly complains and dramatizes situations.
• Requires increased attention to his person.
• Not able to enjoy the success of others

3. Narcissists: Kings of Drama and Self-Admiration
Narcissistic personality disorder occurs in 1-6% of the population, but signs of narcissistic behavior are much more common. Such people may seem charismatic and attractive at first glance, but their behavior is destructive to others.

Characteristics of a narcissist:

• Great sense of self-importance
• Lack of empathy
• The need for constant admiration
• Using Other People to Achieve Your Goals

4. Passive-aggressive personalities: masters of hidden aggression
Passive-aggressive behavior is especially dangerous in its non-obviousness. Such people rarely show open hostility, preferring to act covertly.



How to recognize passive aggression:

• Sabotage and covert counteraction
• Regularly “forgetting” promises and commitments
• Sarcasm and caustic remarks under the guise of jokes
• Silent punishment and neglect

How do you protect yourself?
Psychologists recommend the following protection strategies:

• Set clear personal boundaries and defend them.
• Practice the gray stone technique – minimize emotional reactions
• Use the “boomerang” technique – return the responsibility to the manipulator
• Develop Emotional Intelligence to Recognize Toxic Behavior Early

Conclusion
The ability to recognize toxic people and build relationships with them is an important emotional security skill. Remember that your psychological well-being is more important than others’ expectations and claims. If you regularly experience toxic behavior at work or in your personal life, feel free to seek professional help from a psychologist.

Keep your boundaries safe and remember that you don’t have to maintain relationships that bring you pain and exhaustion. Sometimes the best way to take care of yourself is to say no and distance yourself from the toxic person.