An energy vampire can be literally anyone around you, even if it is a family member or close friend, and this can be a person with whom you feel overwhelmed and drained. The constant depletion of energy can cause great physical and emotional distress.
That is why it is important to deal with them and recognize who they are, discovering their energy suction strategy.
Since energy vampires are not very easy to recognize, we have decided to share with you the most common but missed or ignored signs. Also, we have some tips on how to deal with them.
How to Spot and Deal With an Energy Vampire
They Are In The Middle Of The Drama
Due to their dramatic and emotional demeanor, energy vampires tend to be the center of a catastrophe. Yet when they get their hands on you, they play drama on you, expecting you to absorb it and fix what’s wrong.
What To Do:
Tell them that you are very tired. If they try to call you out and curl your ear, don’t fall into their trap and run off saying you’re tired or sick.
They will likely leave you alone and go to another source because they need someone who has the energy to harvest from.
They Tend To Criticize Their Target
Energy vampires are often insecure and will try to find a tactic to criticize you in order to keep you insecure as well. If that’s the case, you may feel like you owe that person something, especially your attention, and you can continue to work and stop any unfamiliar attacks.
What To Do:
Look at the impassive face and give short answers. These people may even use their non-verbal cues (facial expressions and body positions) to put you on the spot. You can tell them if you are willing to lean in and give them your energy.
So try to look as cool as possible and answer their questions with short answers; This will help you keep your energy to yourself.
They Use Ultimatums
The key is that they know that shame is a powerful weapon, especially against caring and compassionate people. They will trust their guilt trips and get what they plan to get from you.
The same goes for ultimatums, they use them to get your attention and then force you to do something that you probably wouldn’t do in a different situation.
What To Do:
Find a way back to reality. Find out who can help your reality check in a particular situation. It could be someone you trust, a family member, or a friend. So when you notice that the vampire energy in your life is beginning to act, reach out to your trusted person and express your feelings.
See if your feeling is true and not the energy that the vampire is trying to put into you.
They Use The Good In People
The main targets of energy vampires are those who are compassionate and sensitive. Those who have a kind heart listen to their problems and have infinite energy available. They will use it against you and exhaust your spark.
You may notice that this person may want to spend most of their time with you, even if it means hogging your time to go out. Also, they know that your fault will not allow you to turn them down for dinner or coffee, so they will ask you almost always.
What To Do:
Set limits. It may seem easier than implementing it, but it is important to have areas in your life that you do not allow energy vampires to enter. Start small, avoid attending social events with them, like going out for coffee or dinner, and then expand.
They Are Always In Emotional Need
Energy vampires are codependent and involved in this type of relationship. However, they can hardly recognize that they are in one. They use bonding (mostly romantic) to spread more drama and emotional needs.
What To Do:
If possible, eliminate them from your life. If your energy vampire is not someone you can simply avoid (perhaps a family member or boss), try to cut off contact as much as possible. Avoid talking to them directly and send them a text message.
Do you have someone close to you that drains your energy? If so, have you tried to deal with them? Like?
