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We all have people in our lives that we just can’t seem to shake off, no matter how hard we try. They seem to radiate a negative energy that just seems to cling to us like a bad smell. 

Whether it’s a family member, a friend, or even a co-worker, these individuals can make our lives a living hell if we’re not careful. It’s important to be aware of the signs of negative energy in a person so you can take steps to protect yourself and your well-being.

Negative energy can manifest in many forms, from constant complaining and negativity, to a lack of motivation and a pessimistic outlook. And it can be easy to overlook these signs, especially when they come from someone we care about or spend a lot of time with. 

But, if left unchecked, negative energy can have a detrimental effect on our mental and emotional well-being, leaving us feeling drained, exhausted, and unfulfilled.

That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide, to help you recognize the top 10 signs of negative energy in a person. 

So, if you’re ready to learn how to spot negative energy, and take steps to protect yourself from it, read on. 

1. Constant complaining about everything

You know the type, we’ve all come across them. The one who’s constantly grumbling about their job, their partner, their life in general? Yeah, that’s the person we’re talking about. 

And let me tell you, their constant complaining is a surefire sign of negative energy. It’s not that everyone has a bad day every now and then, we all have our moments of frustration, but when someone can’t stop complaining, it’s a problem. 

It’s like they’re stuck in a negative cycle and they can’t break free. They complain about everything and anything, and it becomes draining to be around them. It’s like they’re radiating negativity, and it’s hard not to get sucked in.

It’s even more frustrating when they don’t seem to be taking any action to change their situation. They just complain and complain, but they don’t seem to be doing anything to fix the problem. It’s like they’re content with being unhappy, and they don’t want to do anything to change that. 

This can be a major indication of negative energy, as it can be draining for the people around them. So, if you find yourself constantly surrounded by someone who can’t stop complaining, it’s important to be aware of the negative energy they may be bringing into your life. 

It’s okay to set boundaries and limit your exposure to that person. Trust me, you’ll feel a lot better about it!

[Also read: 5 Signs Someone is Secretly Manipulative]

2. Lack of boundaries 

Some people don’t have a clear understanding of what is and isn’t acceptable behavior. It’s like they don’t have a “personal space” bubble, if you will. They might invade your privacy, or be overly demanding of your time and attention.

For example, let’s say you have a friend who always drops by unannounced. They might think it’s no big deal, but for you, it’s a major invasion of your privacy. 

Or, maybe you have a colleague who always expects you to drop everything and help them with their work, even if it’s not part of your job description.

The best way to deal with this type of person is to set some boundaries of your own. This way you can protect yourself and your energy from being drained by their negative energy.

3. Negative self-talk 

This is the little voice in your head that tells you you’re not good enough, or that you’ll never achieve your goals. It’s like having your own critic, constantly putting you down and making you doubt yourself. And let me tell you, it can be a real energy drain.

Imagine waking up every day and hearing that voice in your head telling you that you’re not good enough, or that you’ll never be successful. It’s enough to make anyone want to crawl back into bed and pull the covers over their head. 

But, unfortunately, negative self-talk doesn’t just go away on its own. It takes awareness and effort to change those thoughts patterns. Negative self-talk can manifest in many ways, from criticizing your appearance or abilities, to doubting your ability to achieve your goals. 

It can also manifest as self-doubt, self-criticism, and even self-hate. It’s important to recognize when you’re engaging in this act, and to take steps to change those thought patterns.

One way to do this is by challenging those negative thoughts, and asking yourself if they are truly accurate or not. Another way is by practicing self-compassion, treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend. 

This will help you to build a more positive self-image and will help to dissipate negative energy. Negative self-talk is a sign of negative energy in a person, it can hold you back from achieving your goals, and it can make you feel like you’re not good enough. 

But, with awareness and effort, you can change your thought patterns and start to radiate positive energy.

[Read: 7 Strong Signs Your Friend Is Emotionally Manipulative]

4. Gossiping 

Now, I know we all love a good juicy story now and then, but when gossiping becomes a regular thing, it can be a sign of negative energy in a person.

Think about it, when someone is constantly talking about others, it shows that they may not have much going on in their own life, and so they turn to gossip to fill the void. It also shows that they may not have much respect for others’ privacy and that they’re not really interested in having a meaningful conversation.

Gossiping can also be a sign of a lack of empathy and understanding toward others. It’s easy to judge and talk about others when you don’t take the time to understand their point of view or their situation. 

It’s also a sign of a negative attitude, because it’s often rooted in a desire to tear others down instead of building them up. So, next time you’re hanging out with someone who can’t stop talking about others, take note of it. 

It may be a sign that they have some negative energy going on. Instead, try to steer the conversation towards something more positive and uplifting. It’s always better to surround ourselves with people who bring out the best in us rather than bring us down.

5. Disrespectful attitude 

This kind of attitude can make you feel small, unimportant, and like you don’t matter. It’s a clear indication that the person is not in a positive state of mind.

And it manifests in different ways, like cutting you off while you’re speaking, interrupting you, rolling their eyes, or even talking over you. It’s like they don’t value your time or your thoughts and they’re not interested in what you have to say. 

Sometimes people with a disrespectful attitude may not even realize they are doing it, they might be going through a tough time or they have issues that make them act that way. 

But, it doesn’t make it any less hurtful, and it’s important to recognize it and take steps to protect yourself from it.

[Related: 5 Defining Traits of Highly Toxic People]

6. Negative body language

You see, body language is a powerful tool that can give us insight into a person’s thoughts and emotions. And when it comes to negative energy, body language can be a big clue.

For example, imagine you’re talking to someone who has their arms crossed and a scowl on their face. What kind of energy do you think they’re giving off? Probably a negative one, right? That’s because crossed arms and a scowl can indicate that a person is closed off and defensive. 

They’re not open to what you have to say and they’re not giving off positive energy. It’s not just about crossed arms, body language can be a sign of negative energy in many ways, like, if a person has a slumped posture, it can indicate that they’re feeling defeated or defeated or they lack enthusiasm. 

On the other hand, if a person is fidgety or restless, it might indicate that they’re feeling anxious or uneasy.

It’s important to note that body language can be affected by many things, like stress, anxiety, and even physical discomfort, so you should be aware that body language alone is not enough to determine someone’s negative energy, but it’s a clue that you should pay attention to and use it in combination with other signs.

In a nutshell, body language can be a powerful tool that can give us insight into a person’s thoughts and emotions.

7. Negative energy 

When someone has a sense of entitlement, they believe that they are above others and that the rules don’t apply to them. They think they deserve more than others, and they don’t respect the rights of others. 

They are arrogant and dismissive of other people’s needs and wants, and they think that the world revolves around them.

It’s not a pleasant experience to be around someone with a sense of entitlement, they can be demanding, and they can make you feel small and insignificant. It’s important to recognize this behavior, as it can be toxic and draining, and it can be hard to deal with.

The bottom line is, a sense of entitlement is a sign of negative energy in a person because it’s a reflection of a person’s lack of humility, compassion, and understanding toward others, and it’s often accompanied by an arrogant and dismissive attitude. 

It’s advisable to be aware of this behavior and to set healthy boundaries with people who display this behavior, to protect your well-being.

[Interesting: 10 Negative Personality Traits That Make People Miserable]

8. Manipulative behavior 

Manipulative people are experts at making you feel guilty, confused, or like you owe them something. 

They’ll use your emotions against you, twisting your words and playing on your insecurities. It’s a sneaky way of getting what they want without taking responsibility for their actions. 

They’ll make you feel like you’re the one making the decisions, when in reality, they’re the ones pulling the strings. And this can be incredibly draining, leaving you feeling confused, exhausted, and like you have no power.

If you suspect someone is being manipulative towards you, it’s important to trust your gut and set boundaries. Speak up for yourself and let them know that you will not tolerate being manipulated. 

9. Aggressiveness 

When someone is constantly on the edge, ready to lash out at others, it’s a clear indication that they’re carrying a lot of negative energy. These sorts of people tend to have a short fuse, like they’re always ready to snap at the slightest provocation. 

They might be quick to raise their voice, use harsh words, or even physical force to get their point across. And it’s not just their words that are aggressive, it’s their body language too. They might stand too close, invade personal space, or even use intimidating gestures.

It’s not only unpleasant to be around such people, but it can also be dangerous. Their aggressive behavior can lead to conflicts, and even violence. And, if you’re the target of their aggression, it can leave you feeling stressed, anxious, and even physically hurt.

Recognizing the signs of aggressiveness as a sign of negative energy, and taking steps to protect yourself from it is very important. It’s also vital to maintain your boundaries, to not provoke them, and if possible, to distance yourself from such individuals. 

Remember, your well-being is the most important thing, and you don’t have to put up with aggressive behavior from anyone.

10. Self-destructive behavior 

One major sign of negative energy is that someone is always on a mission to sabotage themselves. Self-destructive behavior can manifest in many ways, like drinking too much, smoking, or even overeating. 

It’s like they’re trying to numb themselves from the pain they’re feeling inside. And it’s not just physical self-harm, it could be emotional too, like engaging in toxic relationships or neglecting their health.

But here’s the thing: 

Using self-destructive behavior as a coping mechanism is neither healthy nor sustainable. It’s like a band-aid on a bullet wound, it may provide temporary relief, but it’s not going to fix the underlying issue. 

And, if left unchecked, it can lead to serious consequences, both physically and emotionally.

So, if you notice someone engaging in self-destructive behavior, try to understand the root cause, and reach out to them with love and support. But also, remember to take care of yourself, and set healthy boundaries.

Final words 

We’ve discussed the various signs of negative energy in a person and how to recognize them. It’s important to be aware of these signs to protect your well-being. 

Remember, negative energy can come from anyone and anywhere, so always be on the lookout for it and take steps to protect yourself. Stay positive and take care of yourself.

[Also read: 6 Small Things That Say A Lot About Someone’s Character]

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Destiny Femi

Destiny Femi is a dating coach whose work has helped transform the love lives of countless people. With a writing style that is both insightful and relatable, Destiny has amassed a following of hundreds of thousands of readers who turn to him for advice on everything from finding the perfect partner to maintaining a healthy relationship. Through his articles he has inspired people around the world to become more confident, authentic, and successful in their dating life.

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