
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. Here are the 15 types of people I consciously avoid and my reasons why.
1. The Conspiracy Theorist.
This person lives in a world of wild theories, from denying the moon landing to claiming Earth is flat. While I respect curiosity, constant paranoia and baseless ideas turn every conversation into a mental marathon. It can be draining, especially since I don’t like to think about things out of my control. I prefer discussions that are grounded in facts and inspire genuine learning.
2. The Unfaithful.
Disloyalty is a hard no for me. If someone is willing to betray others, how could I trust them? They can just as easily do the same thing to me. While I’m not claiming to be perfect, I always strive to be trustworthy. Trust is the foundation of any relationship, and I’d rather invest my energy in those who honour it.
3. The Superstitious.
While I understand cultural traditions and rituals, I find it draining to engage with someone who lets superstition govern their life. Superstition can be a fascinating topic to explore, but when it comes to befriending superstitious people, it can be a different story. I prefer relationships rooted in logic and mutual understanding, where decisions are guided by reason, not fear.
4. The Narrow-Minded Person.
People who refuse to see beyond their own perspective feel like a brick wall in conversations. I value growth and exploration, and being around open-minded individuals who challenge and expand my thinking is a must for me.
5. The Chronic Dweller.
This is someone who constantly replays the past, turning every interaction into a pity party. While I believe in processing pain, there comes a point where clinging to it becomes suffocating for everyone involved. Moving forward is key to healing.
6. The Negative Nancy.
Constant negativity is like a slow poison to the soul. Their negative mindset can be infectious, and before long, you may start to feel the same pessimism creeping into your thoughts. It’s worth noting that everyone faces setbacks and obstacles in life, but it’s how we choose to react to them that defines us. I’d rather surround myself with people who focus on solutions and finding the silver lining.
7. The Arrogant Know-It-All.
Nothing kills a conversation faster than someone who refuses to listen or learn and often has a hard time admitting when they’re wrong. They tend to dominate conversations and may disregard other people’s perspectives or opinions, which can make those around them feel insignificant and unheard. Ultimately, their arrogance can create a negative and unhealthy dynamic in personal and professional relationships.
8. The never wrong.
Admitting mistakes shows strength, not weakness. People who dig their heels in and refuse to acknowledge errors often leave me feeling drained. It’s important to remember that being wrong or making mistakes is a natural part of learning and growth and that no one has all the answers. By being open to different perspectives and admitting when we are wrong, we can foster more positive and collaborative relationships with those around us.
9. The social media addict.
I find it hard to connect with someone who’s glued to their screen and more concerned with their online world. This type of person can be hard to connect with in real life because they’re so focused on their online presence over their real-life relationships, making it hard to have meaningful conversations and build genuine connections.
10. The nosy person.
Curiosity is natural, but prying is invasive. Healthy friendships thrive on mutual respect, not interrogation. It’s important to remember that everyone has the right to keep certain aspects of their lives private and that it’s okay to politely decline to answer intrusive questions.
11. The victim players.
Life isn’t always fair, but constantly blaming others and fishing for sympathy is draining and also frustrating to be around, especially if you value personal accountability and problem-solving. They can become overly focused on their own problems and fail to take responsibility for their own actions or decisions. I gravitate toward people who face challenges with resilience and take responsibility for their actions, even when it’s tough.
12. The helpless individual.
While I’m all for lending a hand, it’s exhausting to be someone’s perpetual crutch. Everyone should strive to be self-reliant and develop the skills necessary to navigate through life independently. While it’s important to be empathetic and supportive, it’s also crucial to motivate and enable individuals to take control of their lives. Independence is empowering, and I admire people who take charge of their own lives instead of waiting to be rescued.
13. The self-neglector.
The self-neglector is the kind of person who doesn’t take care of themselves, whether it’s through poor hygiene, unhealthy habits, or neglecting their physical and mental health. They might harm your well-being or even put themselves in danger due to their lack of self-care. While I understand that everyone has different priorities and needs, I believe that taking care of oneself is essential for overall well-being and success.
14. The aimless drifter.
Ambition isn’t about chasing big dreams—it’s about having purpose and direction, no matter how small. While it’s important to take time to explore and figure out what we want in life, the Aimless Drifters can be frustrating to be around because they don’t seem to have any ambitions or plans for the future. They might also be unreliable or flaky, making it hard to make plans or follow through on commitments. Being around individuals who are focused on achieving their goals can be motivating and inspiring, and it can help me stay motivated to achieve my own goals
15. The bad behaviour enabler.
The Bad Behavior Enabler is the kind of person who encourages or enables bad behaviour, whether it’s substance abuse, reckless behaviour, or even criminal activity. They might pressure you to join in on their bad behaviour, or they might excuse it as “just having fun.” This type of person can be a negative influence on your life and might even put you in danger. Their behaviour can reflect poorly on you by association.
X, Hani.