Mia Zhang
We’ve all met people who seem to suck the energy out of the room, push your buttons, and just put a damper on your mood. These are what psychology calls “low-quality” individuals.
It’s not always easy to spot these types, but don’t worry—psychology can help with that too.
There’s a list of signs that can help you identify these folks, and I’m going to share 10 of them with you. This way, you can make better choices about who you spend your time with.
Here’s a simple guide to recognizing a low-quality person, according to psychology. Trust me, you’ll find this useful.
1) They’re always playing the victim
You know the type. Nothing is ever their fault. It’s always someone else’s. The world, according to them, is constantly plotting against their happiness.
This, my friends, is classic low-quality person behavior. Psychology tells us that people who habitually refuse to take responsibility for their actions and instead, always find a way to lay blame elsewhere, tend to be of lower quality.
This is because personal growth and maturity come from acknowledging our mistakes and learning from them.
If an individual is constantly playing the victim, they’re not learning or growing. They’re just stuck in a cycle of blame and denial.
2) They’re constantly negative
Ever met someone who just can’t seem to see the silver lining in anything? Yeah, I have too.
I recall a former colleague of mine. Let’s call him Joe. Now, Joe was the kind of person who could find a problem in every solution. He had this uncanny ability to suck the joy out of any situation with his constant complaining and negativity.
Psychology tells us that this kind of persistent negativity is a strong sign of a low-quality person. It’s not just about being a downer.
It’s about an inability to appreciate or even acknowledge the positive aspects of life.
This kind of attitude not only drains those around them but also indicates a lack of emotional intelligence and personal growth. If you’re dealing with a Joe in your life, you might just be dealing with a low-quality individual.
3) They lack empathy
Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a fundamental trait found in emotionally mature and high-quality individuals. But guess what? It’s often missing in low-quality people.
A study found that people who lack empathy are more likely to engage in aggressive behavior. They struggle to understand other people’s perspectives and feelings, making them more self-centered and less considerate.
4) They’re excessively critical
Constructive criticism is one thing, but there’s a line that shouldn’t be crossed. Low-quality individuals often have a knack for crossing that line time and time again.
They’re quick to point out flaws and rarely miss an opportunity to put others down. Their criticism isn’t aimed at helping you improve but seems designed to make you feel small.
This excessive criticism often stems from their own insecurities. By putting others down, they try to elevate themselves – a classic sign of a low-quality individual.
5) They’re unreliable
Reliability is a key character trait of high-quality individuals. They stick to their commitments and can be counted on when needed. Low-quality individuals, on the other hand, tend to be the exact opposite.
You’ll find them frequently canceling plans at the last minute, showing up late, or not showing up at all. Their unreliable nature often leaves others feeling disappointed and frustrated.
This lack of reliability signals a disregard for other people’s time and feelings, indicating a self-centered nature.
6) They don’t respect boundaries
Boundaries are crucial. They help us protect our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. High-quality people understand this and respect the boundaries set by others.
Low-quality people, sadly, don’t. They see boundaries as obstacles to be overcome rather than limits to respect. They might pressure you to do things you’re uncomfortable with or disregard your personal space.
Experiencing this can be deeply unsettling. It’s a violation of trust and respect that leaves you feeling disrespected and undervalued.
Everyone has the right to set their own boundaries. If someone in your life consistently crosses them without remorse, that’s a strong sign you’re dealing with a low-quality person.
7) They’re manipulative
Once upon a time, I had a friend who was a master of manipulation. She had this way of twisting words and situations to suit her narrative, often leaving me doubting my own experiences and feelings.
Manipulation, unfortunately, is a common trait among low-quality individuals. They use it as a tool to control others and get what they want without considering the impact of their actions on others.
This can be incredibly damaging, eroding trust and creating a toxic environment. So if you find yourself constantly second-guessing around someone or feeling like you’re always on the losing end, it may be time to reassess that relationship.
You could be dealing with a manipulative, low-quality person.
8) They’re always right
You might think that being confident in one’s beliefs and decisions is a sign of strength. But when someone believes they’re always right, it’s a whole different story.
Low-quality people often have an inflated sense of their own correctness. They dismiss differing opinions and are unwilling to learn from others or admit when they’re wrong.
This stubbornness to always be right can stifle personal growth and hinder relationships. So, if you’re dealing with someone who can’t seem to admit when they’re wrong, you could be dealing with a low-quality person. It’s not about confidence; it’s about a refusal to grow and learn from others.
9) They’re not genuine
Genuineness is a trait that high-quality individuals possess. They are true to themselves and others, showing consistency in their words and actions.
On the contrary, low-quality people often put on different faces for different people. They can be charming one moment and mean the next, depending on who they’re interacting with.
This lack of authenticity can leave you feeling confused and unsure of where you stand with them.
If you’re dealing with someone whose behavior fluctuates wildly based on the company they’re in, take it as a warning sign.
10) They lack self-awareness
The cornerstone of personal growth and healthy relationships is self-awareness. It’s the ability to recognize one’s own emotions, behaviors, and impact on others.
Low-quality people, however, often lack this crucial trait. They’re blind to their own flaws and how their actions affect those around them.
This lack of self-awareness can lead to repeated patterns of damaging behavior, causing strain in their relationships.
Final thoughts
Understanding these signs can protect your well-being and help you make more informed decisions about who you invest your time and emotional energy in.
As renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.”
For all of us, recognizing these signs is an opportunity to learn, grow, and navigate our social world more wisely.
