We've all met people who like to constantly argue and make us feel bad about ourselves. And we all tend to avoid running into these people. Did you know there's a term for them? They're called emotional vampires. “There are people who energise us and make us feel positive. On the other hand, there are people who make us feel defensive and negative, and as if we are not good enough,” says Kersi Chavda, consultant psychiatrist.
“They might put you down and make you experience a sense of inferiority. They tend to drain your emotional strength leaving you feeling tired, low, anxious, irritable, and cynical. This, in turn, makes it difficult for you to focus on things that matter and can affect your productivity,” says another psychologist.
“If you ask them why they are doing this, they will act like they don’t know what you are talking about. These are people who expect too much of you and want you to be available all the time, whereas they won’t be available for you. Even if they make a mistake, it’s always blamed on somebody else,” she continued.
“I have told some of my patients to lay down limits and explain that they are not available all the time. You have to look after your own emotional health,” the doctor continued. “Make it clear to such people that their opinions lack importance, and you can decide for yourself. Don’t share your deepest feelings or worries with them and don’t try to reason with them beyond a point,” she concluded.
And if things get out of hand, remember it's just best to cut contact with such people. Stay tuned for more updates.