People who are genuinely exhausting to be around usually display these 7 behaviors (without realizing it)

There’s a clear distinction between folks who energize us and those who leave us feeling drained.

This difference often boils down to behavior. Those who are genuinely exhausting tend to act in ways that can be unintentionally draining, without even realizing the impact they’re having on those around them.

Being around such individuals can be a real challenge. And if you’re wondering who they are, there are usually seven telltale behaviors they display.

Below, I’ve listed these behaviors to help you identify and better navigate these taxing relationships in your life.

Let’s dive into it.

1) Nonstop negativity

We’ve all crossed paths with that one person who seems to radiate negativity.

It’s like they carry around their personal rain cloud, always ready for a downpour. Whether it’s about work, relationships, or even the weather, they always have something negative to say.

This behavior can be incredibly draining. It’s as if they are siphoning off your energy, replacing it with their pessimism and gloom.

What’s worse? They often don’t even realize they’re doing it.

It’s crucial to understand that everyone has bad days and it’s okay to vent sometimes. But when it becomes a consistent pattern, it can turn into a real energy vampire situation.

2) Chronic complainers

You know, I had this friend once, let’s call her Lisa.

Lisa was the kind of person who could find a problem in any solution. It wasn’t a casual comment here and there. No, it was a continuous stream of complaints about everything under the sun.

From her coffee being too hot to her boss being too demanding, it felt like she was never content. The worst part? She often didn’t realize that she was doing this.

Being around Lisa became a constant challenge. Her persistent complaining started to bring me down too. It was exhausting trying to navigate through her sea of complaints, trying to keep our interactions positive.

And that’s when I realized – chronic complaining is a telltale sign of people who can be genuinely exhausting to be around. It’s important to identify and manage such interactions for your own peace of mind.

3) The one-uppers

Have you ever shared your experiences or achievements, only to have them immediately overshadowed by someone else’s supposedly better or bigger accomplishment? Welcome to the world of one-uppers.

One-upping is a behavior displayed by those who feel the need to always outdo others. Whether it’s about vacations, work achievements, or even personal struggles, they always have a story that tops yours.

Psychologists suggest that this behavior is often driven by an underlying sense of insecurity or a need for validation. They believe that by outdoing others, they can feel better about themselves.

Ironically, instead of gaining admiration, this behavior can often lead to frustration and exhaustion in those around them. It’s challenging to have meaningful conversations and build deep connections when one person is always trying to take center stage. So, keep an eye out for the one-uppers – they can be more exhausting than you realize.

4) Emotional vampires

Emotional vampires, as the name suggests, suck the emotional life out of you. They are often needy, demanding, and emotionally draining, taking more than they give in relationships.

They may constantly demand your attention, throw tantrums to get their way, or use guilt to manipulate you into doing what they want.

The scary part is that they often don’t realize how draining their behavior can be for others. They’re so caught up in their own emotional needs that they fail to consider the impact on those around them.

Dealing with emotional vampires can be a major drain on your energy and mental health. It’s essential to set boundaries and protect yourself from their exhausting influence.

5) Constant interrupters

There was this meeting I attended a while back. Midway through my presentation, a colleague started to interrupt me, offering his own ideas before I could finish mine. It happened not once, not twice, but multiple times throughout the meeting.

In the moment, it felt frustrating and disrespectful. But over time, I realized this wasn’t just a one-off incident. He had a habit of interrupting others, often without realizing he was doing it.

Interrupting others is a behavior that is not only rude but also exhausting. It disrupts the flow of conversation and makes the other person feel unheard and undervalued.

If you find yourself in a conversation with a constant interrupter, remember, it’s okay to assertively but politely ask for the space to finish your thoughts.

6) Drama magnets

Some people seem to have a knack for attracting drama like a magnet. Every day brings a new crisis, a new conflict, or a new catastrophe. They revel in the chaos and often draw others into it.

Drama magnets can be incredibly exhausting to be around. They create an environment of tension and unpredictability, making every interaction feel like walking on eggshells.

The twist? They often don’t realize they’re the common denominator in all the drama. They see themselves as victims of circumstance rather than active contributors to the chaos.

Identifying drama magnets and managing your interactions with them can save you a lot of energy and unnecessary stress. It’s all about setting boundaries and not getting pulled into their whirlwind of drama.

7) Conversation monopolizers

Conversation is an art of give and take. But some people, the conversation monopolizers, only take. They dominate the dialogue, leaving little to no space for others to speak or express their thoughts.

This behavior can be tremendously exhausting because it turns a two-way interaction into a one-way monologue. It can leave you feeling unheard, unimportant, and drained.

The crucial thing to remember here is that your voice matters too. Don’t let conversation monopolizers steal your spotlight. Asserting yourself and contributing equally to the conversation is not just your right, it’s essential for healthy and fulfilling interactions.

Final thoughts: It’s about self-awareness

At the heart of these draining behaviors often lies a lack of self-awareness. People who are exhausting to be around usually don’t realize the impact of their actions on others.

Psychologists have long emphasized the importance of self-awareness in our social interactions. It helps us understand how we come across to others and how our actions might be affecting them.

Think back to the seven behaviors we’ve discussed. If you’ve recognized any of them in your own behavior, don’t despair. Awareness is the first step towards change. And change, while challenging, is absolutely possible.

As we navigate through our social lives, let’s strive to be more aware and empathetic. After all, our behaviors have the power to either uplift those around us or leave them feeling drained. It’s our choice to make.

And remember, everyone has bad days and may display these behaviors occasionally. The key is not to let them become a consistent pattern.

Let’s aim for more uplifting, positive interactions that leave both parties energized and valued. Because in the end, that’s what truly enriches our relationships and our lives.