15 Types of Toxic People You Should Avoid for a Happier Life

Posted on by Hani by

Friendships are one of life’s greatest treasures, but not everyone we meet is meant to be part of our journey. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of protecting my peace by setting boundaries. Some people bring joy, growth, and positivity into our lives—while others drain our energy and challenge our sanity.

Here are the 15 types of people I consciously avoid and why you might want to as well.

1. The Conspiracy Theorist 🛸

This person lives in a world of wild theories, from denying the moon landing to insisting that lizard people secretly rule the world. While curiosity is great, constantly spiralling into paranoia and baseless claims turn every conversation into a mental marathon. I prefer discussions grounded in facts and genuine learning, not endless rabbit holes of confusion.

Example: You’re trying to have a casual chat about space exploration, and suddenly, they say, “NASA is lying to us. The Earth is actually flat, and astronauts are just actors.” Instead of a fun discussion, you now have to sit through a lecture filled with misinformation.

How to Deal with Them:

  • Steer conversations toward well-researched topics.
  • Politely challenge their claims with facts, but don’t argue—it’s rarely productive.
  • If they constantly push conspiracy theories, limit deep conversations with them.

2. The Unfaithful 💔

Disloyalty is a dealbreaker. If someone is willing to betray their partner, friend, or colleague, what’s stopping them from doing the same to me? Trust is the foundation of any relationship, and I’d rather invest my energy in those who respect and honour it.

Example: A friend casually mentions how they cheated on their partner but justifies it by saying, “It was just a one-time thing. They’ll never find out.” If they can betray someone they claim to love, what’s stopping them from betraying you?

How to Deal with Them:

  • Don’t engage in or encourage their behaviour.
  • If they normalize dishonesty, reconsider whether you want them in your life.
  • Surround yourself with people who value loyalty and integrity.

3. The Superstitious 🔮

I respect cultural traditions, but when someone lets superstition control their life—avoiding black cats, refusing to walk under ladders, or blaming Mercury retrograde for their problems—it can be exhausting. I prefer relationships built on logic and self-awareness rather than unnecessary fear.

Example: Your friend refuses to make any decisions because “Mercury is in retrograde” or cancels plans last minute because they had a bad horoscope reading. It becomes frustrating when their choices are ruled by fear instead of logic.

How to Deal with Them:

  • Respect their beliefs but set boundaries when it affects your plans.
  • Gently encourage them to take control of their choices.
  • Keep conversations light-hearted if they get too deep into superstition.

4. The Narrow-Minded Person 🚫

Talking to a narrow-minded person feels like trying to argue with a brick wall. If someone refuses to consider different perspectives or instantly dismisses new ideas, I know I won’t grow from that friendship. Open-minded people challenge and inspire me, and that’s the energy I choose to keep.

Example: You mention travelling to a foreign country, and they respond with, “Why would you go there? Their culture is weird.” Instead of embracing differences, they reject anything outside their own bubble.

How to Deal with Them:

  • Try exposing them to new perspectives through gentle conversations.
  • Don’t waste energy arguing; some people refuse to change.
  • If they constantly shut down new ideas, distance yourself.

5. The Chronic Dweller 🔄

Some people replay past disappointments like a broken record. While I believe in processing pain, constantly living in the past prevents growth. I prefer surrounding myself with people who acknowledge hardships but move forward with resilience and hope.

Example: Every time you meet up, they bring up an old breakup or how they were wronged years ago. No matter how much you try to help, they stay stuck in the same cycle.

How to Deal with Them:

  • Encourage therapy or self-reflection.
  • Shift conversations toward future goals.
  • If they refuse to move forward, protect your energy by limiting time spent with them

6. The Negative Nancy ☁️

Constant negativity is like secondhand smoke—it slowly poisons the air around you. While we all have bad days, some people thrive on complaining and seeing the worst in everything. They always expect failure, downplay achievements, and have a problem for every solution.

Example: Imagine you just got a promotion at work, and instead of celebrating with you, a Negative Nancy responds with, “Well, that just means more stress and longer hours. Are you sure it’s worth it?” Their mindset drains excitement from even the happiest moments.

How to Deal with Them:

  • Set boundaries by limiting time spent with them.
  • Redirect conversations toward solutions instead of complaints.
  • Encourage gratitude—ask, “What’s something good that happened to you today?”
  • If they refuse to see the bright side, distance yourself to protect your own mental well-being.

7. The Arrogant Know-It-All 🤓

There’s nothing wrong with intelligence, but arrogance? No thanks. Conversations should be a two-way street, not a one-person lecture. People who refuse to listen or acknowledge they might be wrong make interactions exhausting rather than enriching.

Example: You mention trying a new hobby, and they interrupt with, “Oh, I already know all about that. Let me tell you how you’re doing it wrong.” Instead of a supportive chat, it turns into an unsolicited lesson.

How to Deal with Them:

  • Let them talk but don’t engage in their need to prove superiority.
  • Call them out politely if they dismiss your input.
  • If they never listen, avoid deep discussions with them.

8. The “Never Wrong” Person 🚷

Admitting mistakes shows strength, not weakness. Some people will argue to the grave rather than admit they’re wrong. I appreciate those who can say, “I messed up,” because it shows humility and self-awareness—qualities essential in any healthy relationship.

Example: Even with clear evidence, they refuse to admit they got a fact wrong. Instead, they deflect, make excuses, or twist the narrative to make themselves seem right.

How to Deal with Them:

  • Don’t waste time proving them wrong; they’ll never admit it.
  • Set boundaries if they refuse to respect your views.
  • If they constantly gaslight or manipulate, walk away.

9. The Social Media Addict 📱

I love staying connected, but if someone is glued to their phone mid-conversation, scrolling endlessly instead of engaging in real-life moments, it’s a turn-off. Authentic connection happens in the present, not just through curated Instagram stories.

Example: You’re at dinner, but instead of talking, they spend the entire time taking pictures, editing captions, and scrolling through feeds. Real connection takes a backseat to their online persona.

How to Deal with Them:

  • Set a no-phone rule during hangouts.
  • Express how important real interactions are to you.
  • If they still prioritize social media over friendships, reconsider the relationship.

10. The Nosy Person 🔍

Curiosity is natural, but prying is invasive. Healthy friendships thrive on mutual respect, not interrogation. Everyone has the right to privacy, and anyone who doesn’t understand that boundary isn’t someone I want around.

Example: You mention a tough time at work, and instead of offering support, they push for details like, “Tell me everything! Who was involved? What did they say?” Some things just aren’t meant to be shared.

How to Deal with Them:

  • Politely shut down invasive questions.
  • Set clear boundaries on what you’re comfortable discussing.
  • If they keep prying, limit what you share with them.

11. The Victim Player 🎭

Life isn’t always fair, but some people choose to permanently wear the victim badge, blaming others for everything that goes wrong. I gravitate toward those who take responsibility for their actions and face challenges with strength rather than self-pity.

Example: You try to give advice to help them out of a tough situation, but instead of taking action, they respond with, “Nothing ever works for me. People are always against me. I’ll never be happy.” No matter what you say, they refuse to see their role in their problems.

How to Deal with Them:

  • Offer support but don’t let them drain your energy.
  • Encourage them to take accountability for their actions.
  • If they constantly refuse to help themselves, limit your involvement.

12. The Helpless Individual 🚑

We all need support sometimes, but some people refuse to help themselves, expecting others to fix everything for them. Independence is empowering, and I admire people who take charge of their lives rather than constantly waiting for a rescue.

Example: Every time they face a minor inconvenience, they expect you to solve it—whether it’s calling customer service for them, making their appointments, or handling their personal problems. Instead of trying, they lean on others for everything.

How to Deal with Them:

  • Set boundaries—help, but don’t enable.
  • Encourage self-sufficiency by directing them to find solutions themselves.
  • If they refuse to take responsibility, stop stepping in to fix everything.

13. The Self-Neglector 🛑

Self-care is essential. If someone consistently neglects their well-being—whether through poor hygiene, toxic habits, or refusing to seek help when needed—it can take a toll on those around them. I respect people who prioritize their health, both physically and mentally.

Example: You notice they never take care of themselves—constantly making poor choices, neglecting their hygiene, or ignoring their mental health. When you try to support them, they dismiss it with “I just don’t care anymore.”

How to Deal with Them:

  • Offer encouragement and resources for self-care.
  • Be a supportive friend, but don’t let their neglect drain you.
  • If they refuse to change and it affects your well-being, consider distancing yourself.

14. The Aimless Drifter 🏝️

Ambition doesn’t have to mean chasing millions, but having purpose and direction matters. If someone lacks any motivation or drive and constantly drifts through life without taking responsibility, it’s hard to form a meaningful connection with them.

Example: They bounce from one job to another, make no effort to improve themselves, and live each day with no goals. When you talk about your dreams, they dismiss them, saying things like, “What’s the point? Nothing really matters.”

How to Deal with Them:

  • Motivate them, but don’t carry their weight for them.
  • Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you.
  • If they consistently show no desire for growth, limit your time with them.

15. The Bad Behavior Enabler 🚔

A person who encourages reckless behaviour, excuses toxic actions, or pressures others into bad decisions is not someone I want in my life. A true friend lifts you up, not pulls you down into destructive habits.

Example: You’re trying to make healthy lifestyle changes, but they constantly push you toward bad decisions—convincing you to skip responsibilities, making excuses for toxic people, or encouraging harmful habits.

How to Deal with Them:

  • Stand firm in your values and don’t let them influence you.
  • Call them out when they excuse bad behaviour.
  • If they continue to encourage negativity, walk away.

Final Thoughts: Guard Your Energy

Friendship isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality. The people we surround ourselves with impact our happiness, growth, and mental well-being. By being selective about who we let into our lives, we make room for connections that inspire, uplift, and bring out the best in us.

Your circle should encourage your growth, not hinder it. Choose wisely. 🌿✨

 

X, Hani.