They live among us, in human form.
To the untrained eye, it is almost impossible to tell the difference.
Typically they look like you and I, but they're not, they're not like us at all.
They are Vampires and their modus operandi is not to steal your blood but rather, your precious energy.
Your life-force.
Your mojo.
To drain you emotionally and psychologically.
To frustrate you with their repetitious, self-indulgent, attention-seeking diatribe.
They are often bitter, angry and resentful...and they want
you to share their pain.
They don't want solutions, they want pity.
They don't want constructive feedback, they want attention.
They don't want to take responsibility, they want to blame and vent.
They seem to revel in their own misery.
Day in, day out. They have the same conversations about the same issues with the same people and produce the same result; no change.
They major on minors.
They bring others down.
They have a gift for finding the negative.
They are emotionally exhausting to be around.
They inhabit our work places, our families, our schools and they permeate every corner of society.
Note: I will point out that Energy Vampires are not to be confused with the vast majority of people who simply need help, support, direction and care... and are serious about working on themselves and their situation. They are also not to be confused with people who are genuinely looking for answers (not attention or sympathy) and are prepared to accept responsibility, be accountable and be proactive.
No, the people I'm talking about here are relentless in their negativity and their 'woe-is-me' ness (a Craigism).
As most of you know, I am serious about helping people create their best life and I choose to spend much of my life working with a wide range of people to help them confront and deal with their issues and create their own version of amazing. But, I'm not about letting people monopolize my time and energy and I won't buy into their poor attitude or their negativity. I don't care how messed up someone's life or situation is, if they have a good attitude, I'll help them. Gladly.
If they're a Vampire, I'm outta there. See ya, wouldn't wanna be ya.
It's great to be a giver, a carer and a feeler (sometimes), but now and then we need to take a stand with certain people.. because if we don't, we begin to suffer and then nobody wins. So here are my tried and proven tips for coping with Energy Vampires. (Not every tip is appropriate for every person and situation but you might find some of them useful)