The Negative Person, the Endless Promises friend, and the User...with friends like these who needs enemies? I think it is more difficult for women to realize when people in our lives are taking a toll on us, because we are more nuturing by nature. Allowing these people into our lives, these "friendships" come with a high price, we need to realize that and learn to say "Enough is Enough".
The Negative Person
Nothing will sap your energy or steal your thunder like a negative person. The glass is always half-empty and the sky is always falling. Their negativity will drain you of your positive energy and leave you dying a little each time you spend time around them. Negativity is a snake that coils around your neck and slowly strangles your life away.
When asked what is the one most important piece of advice Kim Kiyosaki could share would be, she, without hesitation replied, "Avoid negative people." Negativity kills dreams, can you afford to have that happen?
The Endless Promises Friend
You know these people, they can never keep their word, BUT there is always some great reason or some personal drama in their lives that keeps you holding out hope that maybe next time they really will do what they say....only to have the same cycle repeat. They waste your time, and worse they pull on your heart strings, abusing your empathy and goodwill.
There is a proverb that goes: Hope deferred makes the heart sick. Release yourself from the cycle and free your heart to pursue people and dreams that won't waste your time.
The User
If you are an especially giving person, you may find you attract these people to you. But they only show up when they need something, or may pop in now and then to appease you and "keep the wheels greased" for giving. They will take and take and take as much of your time, energy and goods as you will give them, never once feeling indebted to the law of reciprocity to return the favor of kindness. Again, friends like these are like bad deals draining your cash and energy each month; better to cut your losses and move on.
When To Walk Away
Most of us have a hard time seeing things for what they really are; we want to believe the best in people. We don't want to admit that the signs were there and we didn't heed them. We can't deny who we are, or who we want to be- faithful friends. But how long can you stay in that negative marriage? How long can you keep that friend whose word is worth jack crap and only keeps you around when they need something?
What is your self-esteem worth to you? What are your dreams and freedom worth? How about your time and energy- your kids? When it comes to having these people in our lives, the price is high...too high.