Summary
The article discusses how to recognize and manage relationships with people who drain your energy, often called "energy vampires." It lists three strategies: communicating feelings honestly, setting boundaries, and considering ending the friendship if necessary. These techniques aim to help maintain healthier relationships.
Key Facts
- "Energy vampires" are friends who exhaust others through constant complaining and self-centered behavior.
- Psychologist Suzy Reading explains that these individuals often need excessive attention and can dampen your mood with negative behaviors.
- Feeling drained after spending time with someone might indicate they are an energy vampire.
- It can be helpful to communicate directly with them about how their behavior affects you.
- Setting boundaries may include limiting interaction time or changing activities you do together.
- If the relationship remains draining, it might be necessary to end the friendship.
- Recording your feelings after social interactions can help decide on steps to take.
