3 Signs They Are Sucking The Life Out Of You...Is There An Emotional Vampire In Your Life?
Let’s be honest, we all have an emotional vampire or two in our life. Whether it is family, friends, coworkers or neighbors, there is someone you interact with who leaves you feeling drained afterward.
What is an emotional vampire? An emotional vampire is someone who drains your emotional energy out of you. They may do it all at once or little by little over time, but regardless of their process, they basically suck the life out of you.
It is important to recognize the emotional vampires in your life so you can take action and protect your mental health. Here are the 3 big signs to look for.
Signs They Are Emotional Vampires
You Often Dread Interactions
You dread interactions with them because they are often negative, overly critical, or tend to lash out at you because that is just what they do.
Whether it is a visit or phone call with your mother, or just your partner coming home from work, if you often dread interactions with them, they are an emotional vampire.
If the emotional vampire in your life is a spouse or a parent, it may be time to speak your mind and set some boundaries.
You Feel Anxious Or Upset During Interactions
You could be having a perfectly fine day, but whenever you interact with certain individuals in your life, they totally kill your vibe.
It could be your best girlfriend who is never happy, never has a positive thing to say, and feels the need to unburden herself on you with all her problems constantly. But of course, she never asks how things are going for you, or bothers to thank you for being a supportive friend.
Or it could be your boss or coworker who leaves wondering why you still work there. Your coworker who complains constantly and spreads negativity may need to be shut down and sent away.
You Feel Drained After An Interaction
After your friend has complained endlessly about her ex, or your mom has guilted you about not calling enough, so she can tell more often about what a disappointment you are, you feel drained.
If this is the case with anyone in your life, it may be time to avoid, distance yourself, or completely cut them out of your life.
As adults, we get to choose whom we have in our lives. If that means finding a new job, ending a friendship, or less frequent calls with an overly critical parent, then that is what you need to do for your own mental and emotional well-being.
Can you relate to this article? What are your thoughts on emotional vampires? Do you currently have one in your life? Please share your thoughts and stories!
You will always suffer if you have an emotional reaction to everything that is said to you. True power is sitting back and observing things with logic. True power is restraint. If words control you, that means everyone else can control you. Breathe, and allow things to pass. - Warren Buffet
