7 Types of Mentally Toxic People to Avoid

By EV

Those at Higher Perspective did a report not long back that lists seven types of toxic people that mentally drain us, and are best just to avoid. The list itself will most likely come as familiar to many readers since it’s really based on common sense. It’s an interesting read that we thought we’d look into further.

For many, to say we should avoid these individuals may sound a bit harsh, considering some of them very well may be people you love; however, that being said, if you’re a person who has to deal with one of these individuals on a daily basis, you may be perfectly aware that “helping” them can be easier said than done. Think about your current perception of reality, and then imagine someone coming along and telling you you’re completely wrong.

After receiving friendly criticism, we’d all like to think we can look in the mirror at our true selves and not only spot the flaws brought to our attention, but fix them as well. The thing is, if it were truly that easy, none of us would have issues in the first place—it isn’t easy admitting one’s faults. Many people simply have to learn their life-lessons the hard way, and in the meantime, those of us who’ve already overcome certain personality flaws sometimes need to step back to avoid the toxicity.

Here’s Higher Perspective’s list of mentally toxic people to avoid:

1. The not-so-deep thinker.

Those at Higher Perspective describe these individuals as the type who are more concerned with celebrities and television, conflicts and drama within their own lives, and gossip about others. While some of them may be smart, they simply can’t complete a deep thought.

It’s probably safe to say we’ve all met an individual that exudes this particular type of personality trait on different levels. These are also the individuals who are hardest to awaken to the realities of the world, especially if that particular “reality” has ever been tied to controversy; it’s the fear that to have an opinion outside of the popular opinion will result in social-suicide.

2. Lazy people.

To quote the original article, “laziness is a plague that can only be solved by hard work and purpose.” Okay, okay, fair enough (let’s ease-up a bit on the conservative tone though). While we all have a lazy-day from time to time—most of us having earned it—the point being made here is that laziness is contagious, and this is true; any gamers reading this know how quickly time can pass playing Call of Duty with the friend who lives on his mother’s couch (or any variation of that scenario).

3. The showoffs.

Attention here is brought to the fact that those who show off are more likely trying to prove something, and it usually isn’t good. Higher Perspective’s attention is specifically directed towards those who are trying to distract from the accomplishments of others.

The specific difference between displaying one’s accomplishments and showing off are the accomplishments themselves. If you’ve worked hard to succeed somewhere in your life, you have the right to feel pride at that success and share it with others. Showoffs by their definition, on the other hand, have rarely accomplished anything themselves, and tend to compensate by distracting from those who have.

4. “Yolo.”

Here’s a random one that, though some might disagree, will still likely make you smile; the type of people who use the oddly over-popular and entirely worn-out term Yolo, or you only live once. Higher Perspective had a humorous and more accurate translation of this saying that we couldn’t work to better ourselves by, “let’s get drunk and climb up a telephone pole.” That’s pretty much right.

We here at AnonHQ don’t necessarily suggest avoiding a person for saying Yolo. Perhaps just tell them not to keep up with the Kardashians as much.

5. The bummer.

This one’s pretty self-explanatory, and no matter what end you’ve been on (the bummer, or the person having to hang with the bummer), you can confirm that no one likes being around someone who’s a drag. These are the people who tell you, “you can’t,” often cleverly disguising it with, “I’m just being realistic, man.”

In actuality, this is a reflection of their own shortcomings. For the individuals who haven’t put the required amount of energy forth, they rarely succeed, and it’s easy to go through life thinking that “realistically,” most things are impossible. What those individuals don’t realize is that there are a lot of other people out there who put more effort forward than needed, and succeed at almost everything. This doesn’t mean they have to put in more effort than needed as well, but balance between pessimism and optimism needs to be obtained.

6. People who lack dreams.

This basically refers to the robots; those who wake up, go to work, come home, eat food, go to bed, and do it again. They’re content with this life, can tolerate little discomfort, and don’t want to have to work harder than needed. That should sound familiar to at least some of you. This type of person can easily fit in with “the bummer.”

7. People who don’t believe in your dreams.

If people don’t want to believe in your dreams, fine, but they need to keep that opinion to themselves. Too many crushed dreams have resulted not from a lack of accomplishment, but because people were convinced they couldn’t before they even had a chance to try.

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