This article offers information on the negative characteristics of someone who creates unhealthy relationships with others. It highlights their core characteristics that produces negative interactions.
What defines a relationship as unhealthy? Any relationship that consistently creates negative interactions and feelings that are draining, versus up-lifting. The unhealthy dynamics creates negative experiences within the person receiving it (e.g. how they think and feel about themselves) and controls what they do.
Hard work is an important ingredient to building healthy and supportive relationships – friendships, family, intimate partner, and co-workers. The hard work begins from the inside of a person – mindset, attitude, and emotions – and it is demonstrated through consistent positive actions.
A person who consistently embodies negative characteristics are not putting in the hard work required for a positive and healthy relationship. Being in relationship with such a person becomes a one-sided effort that is not sustainable, because their actions are draining the joy and life out of you. Quickly, you will not have enough energy to continue putting forth the same degree of positive effort for a healthy relationship.
There isn’t a perfect person out there, who will not at some point portray negative characteristics in their relationships. We are imperfect beings, and all have had our moments. You must always assess your own actions, as well as the words and actions of others, to make sure there isn’t consistent portrayal of these negative characteristics.
Being in relationship with someone who consistently portrays negative characteristics makes them unhealthy and toxic. They are difficult and emotionally draining. They can suck the positive energy and joy out of you, therefore limit you from having a happy life – toxic to your overall wellbeing.
Limiting your time with negative people is a form of self-care.
It is best to become familiar with the characteristics of someone who is toxic so you can guard yourself from spending too much time with them, which will lessen you experiencing a lot of emotional hurt and pain.
10 Negative Characteristics Of Someone Who Creates Unhealthy Relationships
People who consistently embody any of these 10 negative characteristics, will not benefit your life. It is best you limit interactions or completely distance yourself. Generally, they will create negative energy and feelings inside of you. Often you are left feeling drained, versus uplifted after spending time with them.
Properly assessing and remaining selective of what type of person you spend a lot of time with is good self-care. You can choose to spend more time with people who exhibits these positive signs that they are a truly good friend.
Argumentative/Combative – The person who is ready to engage in verbal arguments, and sometimes engages in physical intimidation or hands-on altercations. This person seems to truly enjoy the drama that results from arguments. They may ‘pick at the little things’ and create unnecessary drama.
Blaming – The person who is never wrong. This person tends to point fingers toward other people for their problems, not taking time to see how they may have contributed to upsetting events. They present themselves as the victim of wrongdoing, and do not accept constructive criticism for areas they can improve.
Competitive – The person who often appears to ‘one up’ you. This person seems to make statements or tell stories that makes them ‘better than,’ and often engages in behaviors to take attention away from your positive experiences. They enjoy being center of attention and do not enjoy appearing vulnerable or experiencing problems.
Controlling – The person who always needs things to go exactly how they want, or they become very difficult. This person likes being in charge, and does not allow space for others to lead conversations or experiences. They are most comfortable when everything is going ‘exactly’ how they want.
Dishonest – The person who often lies or doesn’t share truthful details of their life or events. This person does not portray a transparent picture of what they think, feel, or their behaviors. They often neglect to share full details or does not answer questions directly.
Envious/Jealousy – The person who only expresses negative comments about you or your life and will appear unhappy about your successes. This person secretly enjoys when things are going poorly for you, and they portray dismissive actions (e.g. only available to talk about the negative, seem inattentive when you have something positive to share).
Greedy – The person who seems to always need you to give or do something for them, but never or rarely reciprocates. This person is a taker, but not a giver. They often come with an outstretched hand or expectation for you to drop everything and cater to their needs.
Inconsiderate – The person who only thinks of themselves and their needs. This person is really self-absorbed; often uncaring and disrespectful of the needs of others. They are dismissive of your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Manipulative – The person who twist situations or events to meet their needs, no matter the negative consequences. This person engages in actions that are often pre-meditated, scheming and plotting to set things just right. They will use your positive qualities (e.g. patience, kind-hearted, giver) so they can get what they want.
Selfish – The person who is ‘me, me, me’ in their conversations and interactions. This person only thinks of their desires and will do almost anything to make it happen. They are not givers (e.g. time, energy, money).
So, ask yourself:
Which of these characteristics do I embody in my relationships?
What person(s) do I presently have in my life that portrays negative characteristics?
How can I improve the relationship, or distance myself?
Choose to discover your desires, connect with your inner power, and confidently live empowered as you take action to create!
