You dont have to know what an emotional vampire is to know what it is, really.
What do vampires do?
They suck blood out of people.
So, what can we reasonably assumeemotionalvampires do?
Thats right: They suck energy out of people.
Heres how to recognize emotional and social vampires and be sure you arent one.
These people are often described as exhausting or overwhelming as they require constant validation and attention.
The relationship is not reciprocal.
You may also run into emotional or social vampires in your dating life, too.
Thats your penthouse person.
They bring you up.
Now I want you to think of someone who makes you feel small, depressed, de-energized.
Thats your basement person.
They bring you down.
Another word for the basement person is a social vampiresomeone who sucks the life out of you.
When youre on a date, ask yourself, Is this a penthouse person or a basement person?
How do you know ifyourethe emotional vampire?
[That] can be very draining and can turn people off.
Ask yourself: Doyou have poor boundaries?
Areyou relying on your interactions with others to self-soothe, rather than relying on them for mutually beneficial connection?
Actively work to engage more with your co-workers and friends about their lives.
And when you do turn the topic to yourself, be open to feedback.
It can be detrimental for you to let this go on.
In fact, they seem to thrive off of the emotional reactions of othersto their life narrative.
Their sense of self-worth is low.
The clincher is the lack of self awareness of how they come across to others in their circle.
That there wont be any left for you is a major concern.
First and foremost, though, communicate.
If they dont make changes, lower your expectations.
Superficial routes of chit-chat are less emotionally demanding.
Ultimately, even limiting contact will require some communication on your part, if you do it responsibly.
you’re able to set limits on the complaining by saying, I hear what youre saying.
Do you want to talk about solutions now?, Feuerman said.
You should also have your exit strategies planned in advance for times you may feel cornered.
No need to offer help, advice, or suggestions.
No longer engaging with the behavior that is sappingyourenergy may show them that they need to make a change.
