3 Signs You Have an Energy Vampire In Your Life

1. You are on a constant guilt trip

Emotional manipulators tend to stronghold those around them into feeling sorry for them. They use this as a tactic to gain control. They may use guilt-tripping, emotional outbursts, or sob stories to elicit sympathy and compassion from others.

If you find yourself trapped in their (self-inflicted) drama, working on your own self-worth can help you push back on their overbearing nature. Some things that may help:

• Practicing self-compassion. Treat yourself with kindness and remind yourself that everyone, not just you, has flaws and imperfections.
• Surrounding yourself with positive people. Spend more time with friends and family who uplift you and avoid those who bring you down.
• Challenging negative self-talk. Focus on your strengths and accomplishments instead of letting someone dwell on your flaws or mistakes.
• Practicing gratitude. Take time to reflect on the positive aspects of your life and express gratitude for them to shift your focus away from negativity and increase your well-being.

2. You feel put down

In an attempt to overcompensate for their own insecurities, these individuals develop the neurotic need to exert dominance by becoming overly critical of others. To feed off of you, these people may shift the attention seamlessly to themselves:

• “I know you are struggling in your relationship but at least you have one. I feel so lonely.”

Although you may not get a positive response, you can try to be more assertive about your needs:

• “I feel uncomfortable when you speak to me in that tone of voice.”

Ultimately, you need to learn to prioritize your own needs and avoid interactions with individuals who constantly put you down.

3. You are easily taken advantage of

A study published in the Journal of Research in Personality found that people with high levels of anxiety, empathy, and compassion seek the company of those who are more dominant. They willingly submit themselves to fulfill the demands of others.

While it may be challenging, it is essential to draw strict boundaries that encircle your own well-being. A few ways to achieve this:

• Be clear and specific. Clearly state the behavior that is unacceptable and what the consequences will be if the boundary is crossed.
• Prioritize your needs. Remember that it’s okay to prioritize your own happiness without feeling guilty for setting boundaries that protect your mental and emotional health.
• Learn to take your space. It’s okay to say no to requests or invitations that don’t align with your needs or values.

Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!

Reflection:

What are your thoughts on the article?

#Relationships #Friendships #Toxicity #Communication