A psychologist described 5 types of energy vampires and gave instructions on self-defense

Sometimes after a conversation with someone we talk to, we feel empty. It seems as if you were talking about an innocuous topic, but the feeling is as if you unloaded a truckload of heavy furniture….

Brokenness, exhaustion, lack of strength (up to physical exhaustion), drowsiness, apathy – all these are signs of a collision with an energy vampire. Usually he builds a dialog in a special way. Claims and offenses are mainly used. It is obvious desire to show his own superiority.

clinical psychologist

Do not be frightened by the bright and mysterious name. There is no mysticism here. Only a scientific approach and research. Psychologists chose to define the term “vampire” not accidentally. If you compare the techniques that such people use, they can well be described as the action of bloodsuckers. Only instead of blood, they take energy from the opponent.

“Energy vampires” are individuals who have chosen a certain way of interaction that violates the boundaries of another person. Consciously or accidentally. In the second case, a person does not guess about their problems, the cause of which can often be stress, illness. And any of us can find ourselves in such a state. The first type purposefully uses pressure techniques to feed on negative energy.

We can distinguish five main types of “energy” vampires who are trying to bring you out of yourself.

1. Controller

These people are characterized by manipulation in the form of constant control over your activities. They read moralizing about appearance, behavior. They have only their own – the right point of view, do not tolerate objections. Try to show expertise in all matters, including scientific, not always having the appropriate education.

How can you resist?

The main defense when communicating with controllers is not to give in to provocations and do not enter into disputes. They are waiting for a certain moment when you will prove the opposite and express your opinion on the issue. It is not worth wasting energy and engaging in discourse. Convince the controller in the existence of another point of view is pointless. Do not argue, agree with his arguments.

2. Narcissist

They make a pleasant impression at first acquaintance. It is pleasant to communicate with them in the beginning. After narcissists begin to show their superiority in the dialog. They are not interested in hearing about the problems of the interlocutor. They are ready to talk about their own lives for hours. Experience a special pleasure when praising their successes at work, acquired things or trips.

How can you resist?

You should not get into close contact with this type of personality. This way you will be constantly in a depressed state. Keep narcissists at a distance. Limit your communication and try to meet less often, unless you are connected by work.

3. Critic

This type always finds weak, painful points of the interlocutor and presses on them, criticizing. The way of communication is similar to ridiculing the other’s shortcomings and failures. Critics enjoy and get energized by this way of communication.

How can it be countered?

As with other types of “energy vampires”, try to avoid communication, meetings. Try not to give in to provocations and do not show that the critic’s words hurt you. You should not be defensive and make excuses. Use the breathing technique as soon as you realize that feelings are starting to swell inside.

4. Manipulator

Skillfully uses blackmail techniques, psychological tricks in communication. Thanks to properly constructed phrases forces to perform certain duties, without directly communicating what he wants from the opponent. Often in speech he uses the words: “I’m worried about you”, “You are so good at what you do”.

How can you resist?

Learn to gently refuse manipulators. Use confident phrases in speech: “I appreciate your concern, but…”, “I can’t help you now”.

5. Victim

People of this type use the main tool in their arsenal – complaints about circumstances. They are always dissatisfied with work, people around them, weather, health, living conditions, relatives.

Constant whining exhausts and literally sucks energy from those who communicate with the “victim”. However, they respond to any proposed solutions to their problems with refusal. There is always a reason why they cannot change their lives.

How can this be resisted?

This personality type is very vulnerable and vulnerable, so restrictions in communication can hurt them badly. You can listen to the problems of the “victim”, but not without emotional immersion. They need an interlocutor as a “vest” to cry on. Set boundaries. Don’t let them use you in this role all the time. Agree that you will be willing to listen when you have the resource to do so.