Ava Sinclair
It is often difficult to know whether you should forgive someone and give them a second chance.
While it’s commendable to forgive others, according to psychologists, there are people who, simply don’t deserve a second shot.
These are individuals who could potentially harm your emotional wellbeing. And, let’s face it, none of us need that kind of drama in our lives.
Here’s a list of eight types of people who, as per experts, we should think twice about before letting back into our lives.
1) Habitual liars
We’ve all told a fib or two. But there’s a vast difference between an occasional white lie and repeated, calculated falsehoods.
Habitual liars as one of those types that might not deserve a second chance.
The consistent deceit erodes trust, which is the bedrock of any relationship. It’s tiring, it’s damaging, and it’s simply not conducive to a healthy interaction.
More often than not, habitual liars continue their pattern of deception, making a second chance a risky proposition.
So, as painful as it may be to cut ties, sometimes it’s the healthier choice. You deserve honesty and sincerity in your relationships. Don’t settle for less.
2) Emotional manipulators
Next up, emotional manipulators. These are individuals who use your feelings against you to get what they want.
I can vividly recall a friend I had back in college. Let’s call her Jane.
She had a knack for pulling at my heartstrings every time she needed something. She’d play the victim card, guilt-trip me or even twist facts to make me feel responsible for her problems.
Psychologists warn us about people like Jane. They drain your energy, leave you feeling guilty and confused, and rarely change their manipulative tactics.
Giving them a second chance often means signing up for more emotional turmoil.
Trust me, I’ve been there. It’s not a fun ride. Protect your mental health by keeping a safe distance from these individuals.
3) Narcissists
Narcissists are another category that psychologists caution us about. These individuals have an inflated sense of self-importance and a deep need for constant attention and admiration.
What’s really concerning is that up to 6.2% of the population could be diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, according to a study in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
These folks are often unwilling to recognize or empathize with the feelings and needs of others.
When faced with criticism, they can react with rage or contempt, making it difficult to maintain a healthy relationship.
Granting a second chance to a narcissist might not yield a different outcome, since they often perceive themselves as infallible. A relationship with them often feels one-sided and may leave you feeling insignificant and unheard.
4) Chronic betrayers
Betrayal is a bitter pill to swallow. When someone you trust stabs you in the back, it leaves a deep scar that’s hard to heal.
Chronic betrayers are individuals who repeatedly break your trust, making excuses for their actions or shifting the blame onto others.
Psychologists suggest that these individuals often struggle with insecurity or lack of self-esteem, causing them to act selfishly without considering the consequences on others.
Giving a second chance to a repetitive betrayer is like playing with fire. You risk experiencing the same hurt and disappointment all over again.
It’s essential to consider your own emotional wellbeing before deciding to let such a person back into your life.
5) Constant critics
We all need a bit of constructive criticism from time to time. It helps us grow, improve, and become better versions of ourselves.
But constant, unrelenting criticism?
That’s a different story.
Imagine someone in your life who’s never satisfied, always finding fault in everything you do. Their words can sting like a swarm of bees, leaving you feeling inadequate and unvalued.
Critics carry a relentless negativity that can erode your self-esteem and create a toxic environment.
Everyone deserves to be appreciated and respected for who they are. So think twice before giving a second chance to someone who consistently makes you feel less than what you are.
You deserve kindness, encouragement, and love. Don’t settle for anything less.
6) Abusers
This one’s a hard pill to swallow. Some people, no matter how much you care for them, become a source of pain and fear.
I remember once having a colleague who seemed pleasant at first. But over time, he became aggressive and domineering.
His verbal abuse was masked as ‘jokes’, but they left me feeling belittled and uncomfortable.
Abusers, whether physical, emotional or psychological, never deserve a second chance. They strip away your dignity, your happiness, and your peace.
If you’re in a relationship with such an individual, seeking help is important. Y
ou have the right to feel safe and respected always. Don’t let anyone take that away from you.
7) Serial cheaters
Infidelity can shatter trust and break hearts. A one-time mistake is painful enough, but serial cheaters, they’re on a whole different level.
Psychologists point out that serial cheaters often show patterns of dishonesty and disregard for their partner’s feelings. Their repeated actions prove their lack of commitment and respect for the relationship.
Giving a second chance to a serial cheater is a risky move. The old saying “once a cheater, always a cheater” might not apply to everyone, but with serial cheaters, the odds aren’t in your favor.
Remember, you deserve someone who values you and stays faithful to you. Don’t compromise your worth for someone who doesn’t appreciate it.
8) Unapologetic wrongdoers
The final type is perhaps the most telling of all – individuals who do wrong and feel no remorse.
These people can hurt you, betray you, and show no signs of regret or apology for their actions. Their lack of empathy and understanding reflects a deep-seated disregard for others’ feelings.
This absence of remorse is a red flag, suggesting that the person is likely to repeat their harmful behavior.
The most important thing to remember is that you deserve respect, honesty, and kindness. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.
Final reflections: The power of choice
As human beings, we always want to see the best in people. That’s why we often grapple with the difficult choice of whether to keep or cut off a person from our lives.
But it’s crucial to remember that it all boils down to, at the end of the day, is your personal well-being.
Maintaining distance from individuals who repeatedly cause harm can significantly improve your mental health. So in this sense, it’s not about holding grudges, but about self-preservation.
Remember that you have the power and the right to choose who gets to be a part of your life.
Don’t let guilt or societal pressures sway you into making decisions that could negatively impact your emotional health.
Always choose what’s best for you.
