8 types of people you need strong boundaries with, according to psychology

Navigating relationships can be a tricky business. We often find ourselves dealing with a variety of personalities, some more challenging than others. As per psychology, it’s crucial to establish strong boundaries with certain types of people to maintain our mental health.

I’m sure you’ve come across individuals who drain your energy, push your buttons or simply have no respect for your space. These are the folks you need to be aware of and set firm boundaries with.

In this article, let’s talk about the 8 types of people you absolutely need to establish strong boundaries with, as advised by psychology.

Through this, you’ll learn how to protect your peace and ensure a healthier interaction. 

Let’s dive in. 

1) The chronic critic

You’ve probably met a few people in your life who seem to have a knack for pointing out every little flaw or mistake. They’re the ones who always have something negative to say and rarely miss an opportunity to offer their unsolicited criticism.

This is the chronic critic and dealing with them can be a real challenge. Their constant negativity can ruin your day and sap your self-esteem if you’re not careful.

According to psychology, it’s important to establish firm boundaries with these individuals. This doesn’t mean shutting them out entirely, but rather learning to protect your mental and emotional health from their relentless criticism.

It’s not about changing their behavior, but rather changing how you react to it. And setting strong boundaries is the first step towards doing that. 

2) The energy vampire

Ever had a conversation with someone and you walk away feeling completely drained? I have. I remember a friend who, every time we spoke, would unload all her problems onto me. It was like she was sucking away my energy, leaving me feeling exhausted and down.

These are what psychology refers to as ‘energy vampires’. They’re the people who seem to take more from you than they give, leaving you feeling depleted after every interaction.

Setting boundaries with these individuals is critical. In my case, I had to limit the frequency and duration of our conversations. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for my own well-being.

It’s okay to distance yourself from people who drain your energy. Your mental health should always be your top priority.

3) The perpetual victim

These are the individuals who always seem to be at the receiving end of life’s misfortunes. No matter the situation, they perceive themselves as the victim, refusing to take responsibility for their actions and often blaming others for their problems.

Interestingly, a study from the University of Granada found that people who always play the victim tend to have more negative emotions, less control over those emotions, and a greater tendency to suppress positive feelings.

Establishing boundaries with perpetual victims is essential. This might mean not letting them shift blame onto you or not getting swept up in their drama. It’s important to remember that everyone is responsible for their own actions and decisions.

4) The guilt tripper

The guilt trippers are experts at making you feel bad for not doing what they want. They use guilt as a weapon to manipulate and control, often making you feel obligated to comply.

Setting boundaries with these individuals is crucial. You must remember that it’s okay to say no and not feel guilty about it. Everyone has their own needs and priorities, and it’s perfectly fine to put yours first sometimes.

Don’t let the guilt trippers make you feel like you’re in the wrong for standing up for yourself. It’s your life, and you have every right to make decisions that protect your well-being.

5) The emotional manipulator

Emotional manipulators have a way of twisting situations and words to their advantage. They have a knack for making you question your reality, often leaving you feeling confused and off balance.

Dealing with such individuals can be emotionally challenging. It’s like trying to find your way through a maze, where every turn seems to lead to more confusion and self-doubt.

Establishing strong boundaries is essential when interacting with emotional manipulators. Be firm in your stance, trust your instincts and remember that it’s okay to step back from people who cause emotional turmoil in your life.

Everyone deserves respect and understanding in their relationships. Don’t let anyone make you feel less than you are.

6) The relentless taker

I once had a colleague who seemed to only reach out when they needed something. Be it a favor, advice or my time, they were always asking but rarely reciprocating. It felt like a one-sided relationship, which left me feeling used and unappreciated.

These are the relentless takers. They take more than they give, often leaving you feeling depleted and undervalued.

Setting boundaries with such individuals is crucial. It’s important to remember that your time and energy are valuable. Don’t hesitate to say no when you feel like you’re being taken advantage of.

It’s okay to prioritize your needs and well-being. Remember, it’s not selfish to take care of yourself.

7) The chronic interrupter

There’s nothing worse than having your thoughts and ideas constantly interrupted by someone who believes their opinion is the only one that matters. These are the chronic interrupters. They tend to dominate conversations, often leaving little room for others to express their views.

Setting firm boundaries with these individuals can greatly improve your communication experience. This may involve politely but firmly asserting your right to finish your thoughts before they chime in, or choosing to disengage when they refuse to respect this boundary.

8) The unapologetic boundary violator

This is the person who consistently disregards and disrespects your boundaries, no matter how clearly you communicate them. They treat your limits as mere suggestions, often pushing past them without a second thought.

Establishing strong boundaries with these individuals is absolutely crucial. It’s essential to stand firm in your decisions and not allow anyone to violate your personal space or peace.

Above all, remember that your boundaries are valid and important. Never let anyone make you believe otherwise. You have the right to protect your mental, emotional, and physical space from anyone who threatens it.

Final thoughts: It’s about self-care

At the core of setting boundaries with these individuals is the principle of self-care.

Psychology emphasizes the importance of maintaining our mental and emotional health. Establishing boundaries is a key part of this process. It’s not about isolating ourselves or cutting people out of our lives, but rather about ensuring that our interactions with others contribute positively to our well-being.

A quote from renowned psychotherapist, Pia Mellody, captures this beautifully: “Setting boundaries is a way of caring for myself. It doesn’t make me mean, selfish, or uncaring because I don’t do things your way. I care about me too.”

Remember, it’s not just about setting boundaries with others, but also respecting those set by others. It’s a two-way street that fosters healthier relationships and a healthier you.

So as you navigate through life, remember that it’s okay to protect your peace and prioritize your well-being. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.